Etymology of "well hung"

Factual Questions
1

I recently heard that “well hung” was coined as a description of a man who was hanged in a satisfactory manner, such that his penis became erect (ref this thread and this column).

Is this true? I’ve had a hard time finding reliable evidence to support this claim. Of all places, this site (well actually… other than the SDMB, it’s where I would most expect a discussion of this topic) quotes Shakespeare as the earliest reference, which is definitely related to hanging. However, it seems unlikely that Shakespeare would engage in this type of wordplay if it was common knowledge that the term was derived from the hanging of a man. The later references in the 17th century do not seem to be related to hanging.

2

It has all the marks of folk etymology to me. Be very skeptical.

3

G’day

If this speculatioin were true it woud be “well hanged”, not “well hung”.

Regards,
Agback

4

An earlier thread on this subject:

http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=85120

Not that originally, it applied to females as well as males, although referring to different parts. OED confirms this dual usage.

5

The earliest cite is from Shakespeare, Twelfth NIght…

And in 1610, there is another cite which would confer that the meaning was indeed about being “well hung” in a genital kinda way. I could go on and on, citing multiple examples from the 1600’s, 1700’s, etc.

It’s old. And it don’t have to do with an erection from a guy who was hanged, althoug that may be “noose” to you.