Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Damask?

\Dam"ask\ (d[a^]m"ask), n. [From the city Damascus, L. Damascus, Gr. Damasko`s, Heb. Dammesq, Ar. Daemeshq; cf. Heb. d'meseq damask; cf. It. damasco, Sp. damasco, F. damas. Cf. {Damascene}, {Damass['E]}.] 1. Damask silk; silk woven with an elaborate pattern of flowers and the like. ``A bed of ancient damask.'' --W. Irving. 2. Linen so woven that a pattern in produced by the different directions of the thread, without contrast of color. 3. A heavy woolen or worsted stuff with a pattern woven in the same way as the linen damask; -- made for furniture covering and hangings. 4. Damask or Damascus steel; also, the peculiar markings or ``water'' of such steel. 5. A deep pink or rose color. --Fairfax.
\Dam"ask\, a. 1. Pertaining to, or originating at, the city of Damascus; resembling the products or manufactures of Damascus. 2. Having the color of the damask rose. But let concealment, like a worm i' the bud, Feed on her damask cheek. --Shak. {Damask color}, a deep rose-color like that of the damask rose. {Damask plum}, a small dark-colored plum, generally called damson. {Damask rose} (Bot.), a large, pink, hardy, and very fragrant variety of rose ({Rosa damascena}) from Damascus. ``Damask roses have not been known in England above one hundred years.'' --Bacon. {Damask steel}, or {Damascus steel}, steel of the kind originally made at Damascus, famous for its hardness, and its beautiful texture, ornamented with waving lines; especially, that which is inlaid with damaskeening; -- formerly much valued for sword blades, from its great flexibility and tenacity.
\Dam"ask\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Damasked}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Damasking}.] To decorate in a way peculiar to Damascus or attributed to Damascus; particularly: (a) with flowers and rich designs, as silk; (b) with inlaid lines of gold, etc., or with a peculiar marking or ``water,'' as metal. See {Damaskeen}. Mingled metal damasked o'er with gold. --Dryde?. On the soft, downy bank, damasked with flowers. --Milton.