A fact from Samite appeared on Wikipedia's Main Page in the Did you know column on 28 May 2008, and was viewed approximately 7,653 times (disclaimer) (check views). The text of the entry was as follows:
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Digging around for structure of samite, I come up with two definitions: a "weft-faced compound twill" (the Met fragment) and a weft-faced satin in which the weft threads are caught every sixth thread, hence the name (1898 EB). Off to more printed sources... PKM (talk) 03:11, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
And the current printed source has it clearly; a weft-faced compound twill. I expect it was was (at least originally) a 5/1 twill (that is, weft threads caught in every 6th thread of the binding warp), and thus the name. - PKM (talk) 03:31, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Scratch that; early examples seem to be 2:1 and 1:2 twills. It's might be 6-ply weft threads (thus the 1892 Dictionary of Dry Goods), but I am leaving the wording as I found it. 4-over-1 satins are later in Europe (13th-14th century in Italy after Asian models). Looking for a picture for the lead. - PKM (talk) 17:30, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]