Pronunciation: [kˈamlət] (IPA) 
The spelling of "camlet" is peculiar as it contains letters which are not pronounced. It is pronounced /kæməlɪt/ and refers to a kind of cloth made from wool and camel hair. The initial "c" is pronounced as "k", while "a" is pronounced as "æ". The "m" and "l" sounds are merged as one, while the "e" at the end is silent. The word is derived from the French word "camelot" and its origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages.
Camlet is a term that refers to a fabric typically made from a mixture of camel and goat hair or, in modern times, wool and either silk or cotton. It is a strong, durable, and lustrous fabric that has been used for various purposes throughout history. The origin of the word "camlet" can be traced back to the French term "camelot," which is derived from the Latin word "camelum," meaning camel.
Traditionally, camlet fabric was woven using a combination of camel and goat hair, primarily in Asia and the Middle East. It was highly valued for its luxurious appearance, versatility, and resistance to weather conditions. Camlet was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries for making fashionable clothing items such as dresses, cloaks, and coats. The fabric's ability to retain its shape and resist creasing made it particularly sought after.
In modern times, camlet is often made using a combination of wool and silk or cotton fibers. This blend retains the fabric's durability and attractive sheen while making it more affordable and accessible. Camlet fabric is now used for a variety of applications, including upholstery, drapes, and even traditional costumes.
Overall, camlet is a fabric known for its strength, luster, and historical significance. Its unique composition and production techniques have made it a desirable material across diverse cultures and time periods.
A cloth first made of camel's or goat's hair, now of wool or goat's hair, with silk.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "camlet" has a fascinating etymology. It derives from the Middle French term "camelin" or "camelot", which originated from a Latin word called "camelinus". The Latin term was used to describe a fabric made of camel hair.
During the Middle Ages, this fabric made of camel hair was highly sought after for its luxurious and durable properties. Over time, as the fabric gained popularity and spread to different regions, it underwent some changes in pronunciation and spelling. Eventually, it came to be known as "camlet" in English.
It is worth noting that "camlet" is not exclusively made of camel hair anymore. Modern camlet fabrics are usually made of wool, silk, or a blend of both. However, the term has maintained its historical connection to the original camel hair fabric.
