Why Are Codpieces Called Codpieces?

The codpiece is buttoned, or tied with strings, to a man's breeches. It takes its name from the word 'cod', middle English for both 'bag' and 'scrotum', and arose because medieval men wore hose – essentially, very long socks – beneath their doublets, and nothing else in the way of underwear.

When did men stop wearing codpieces?

From its introduction early in the sixteenth century, until its disappearance from fashion in the 1590s, the codpiece served as an emblem for manhood, the part standing for the whole. As Marston's 1598 quote above makes evident, even after its demise, it retained its metaphorical associations with masculine essence.

What were codpieces made of?

No expense was spared: codpieces were made in luxury silk velvet, bejewelled or embroidered. Even young boys were obliged to wear them. Bartels says: “Ideas about masculinity were closely linked to notions of martial strength.