samite

thumb|Detail from the "Martyr Cope" (1270), gold on red silk samite, brought from France in 1274. Uppsala Cathedral Treasury.|300px

Samite was a luxurious and heavy silk fabric worn in the Middle Ages, of a twill-type weave, often including gold or silver thread. The name "samite" derives from Old French , from medieval Latin deriving from the Byzantine Greek ἑξάμιτον , meaning "six threads", usually interpreted as indicating the use of six yarns in the warp. Samite continues in use in ecclesiastical robes, vestments, ornamental fabrics, and interior decoration.