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codpiece
Definitions
Or: cod-piece : 1. In male fashions from the 14 th through the 16 th century, a bag-like flap traditionally worn in the genital area of breeches or hose to cover the opening in front of a mans hose and to accent his genitalia. Cods or codpieces referred to the testicles. See penis for synonyms.
Etymology: From the Middle English codd, meaning a cushion.
Quote: Captain Francis Grose. Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue (1811): ' The fore flap of a man's breeches.'
2. By extension, it later became a euphemism for the penis. See penis for synonyms.
(Noun) A covering for the male genitals (14th-17th centuries, approximately). Succeeded by buttons, then zippers - but their purpose was practicality/concealment, whereas a codpiece combined practicality/"Oh, why hide it?")/sometimes emphasis.
Usage: Henry VIII, in contemporaneous paintings, is often depicted with a massive codpiece to emphasize his virility.
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