Codpiece (noun)

A pouch or flap attached to the front of men's breeches or shorts in the 16th and 17th centuries, originally to protect the genitals but later as a fashion item.

Origin:

Middle english codpece, from cod (bag) + piece.

Examples:

1. The costumes in the historical play included elaborate codpieces.
2. In the 16th century, a large codpiece was a symbol of wealth and power.
3. The exaggerated codpieces in the Renaissance paintings are often a source of humor for modern viewers.
4. Many actors playing historical characters in period dramas find the codpieces to be uncomfortable and cumbersome.
5. The fashion for codpieces eventually faded, but has had a lasting impact on popular culture.