Codpieces were originally a piece of clothing worn by medieval men to cover their genitalia. Over time, the term "codpiece" has become archaic and has been replaced with several synonyms. Some of the most commonly used synonyms for "codpiece" include "penis sheath", "groin protector", "breech guard", and "pouch". Other less common synonyms include "jockstrap", "ball holder", "cup", and "cod guard". Some of these terms are used in specific contexts, such as jockstraps being used in sports, while others are more general. Regardless of which term is used, they all refer to a protective covering for the male genitalia.