Meaning

noun a region of central Europe rich in deposits of coal and iron ore; annexed by Prussia in 1742 but now largely in Poland

noun a sturdy twill-weave cotton fabric; used for pockets and linings

originEtymology tree Late Latin Silesialbor. English Silesia Uncertain. Two theories are prominent: a relation to the Germanic Silingi tribe, whose name is attested in Ancient Greek Σιλίγγαι (Silíngai). Or, from Old Polish ślęg, śląg meaning "dampness, humidity, moisture." More at Ślęża and Silesia.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 3.0