Definition

1. Noun:
   • A heavy, rich silk fabric, often interwoven with metallic threads such as silver or gold, used historically, particularly during the Middle Ages, for luxurious garments and ceremonial attire.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The king's robe was made of exquisite samite, shimmering with threads of gold.
  • Medieval tapestries sometimes depict nobles wearing clothing of samite.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Literary Context: The word is primarily used in historical, literary, or poetic contexts to evoke a sense of antiquity, luxury, and opulence.
  • In the Arthurian legend, the Lady of the Lake is often described clad in samite.

Variants and Related Words

• None: "Samite" is a specific historical term with no direct variants. Related terms include brocade (a rich fabric woven with a raised pattern) and damask (a reversible figured fabric).

Synonyms

• Heavy silk
• Brocaded silk
• Cloth of gold (when referring specifically to fabric woven with gold threads)

Idioms and Phrases

• None: "Samite" is not commonly used in modern idioms or phrasal verbs.

Noun

1. a heavy silk fabric (often woven with silver or gold threads); used to make clothing in the Middle Ages