The term Suklat is, however, applied in the Panjab
trade returns to broadcloth. Does not this point to the real nature of
the siclatoun of the Middle Ages? It is, indeed, often spoken of as used
for banners, which implies that it was not a heavy woollen:
"There was mony gonfanoun
Of gold, sendel, and siclatoun."
(King Alisaundre, in Weber, I. 85.)
But it was also a material for ladies' robes, for quilts, leggings,
housings, pavilions. Franc. Michel does not decide what it was, only that
it was generally red and wrought with gold. Dozy renders it "silk stuff
brocaded with gold"; but this seems conjectural. Dr. Rock says it was a
thin glossy silken stuff, often with a woof of gold thread, and seems to
derive it from the Arabic sakl, "polishing" (a sword), which is
improbable. Perhaps the name is connected with Sikiliyat, "Sicily."
(Marsh on Wedgwood, and on Webster in N. Y. Nation, 1867; Douet
D'Arcq, p. 355; Punjab Trade Rep., App. ccxix.-xx.; Ladak, 242;
Fr.-Michel Rech. I. 221 seqq.; Dozy, Dict. des Vetements, etc.;
Dr. Rock's Ken. Catal. xxxix.-xl.)
CHAPTER LIX.
CONCERNING THE PROVINCE OF TENDUC, AND THE DESCENDANTS OF PRESTER JOHN.
Tenduc is a province which lies towards the east, and contains numerous
towns and villages; among which is the chief city, also called TENDUC.
