damascene

views updated May 14 2018

damascene pert. to the city of Damascus, famous for its steel and its silk fabrics; also sb. XIV. — L. Damascēnus — Gr. Damaskēnós, f. Damaskós- Sem. name.
Hence damascene vb. ornament (steel) by inlaying XIX; earlier (XVI) in the form damaskene, later -keen — F. damasquiner, f. damasquin — It. damaschino. Cf. next and DAMSON.

Damascene

views updated May 14 2018

Damascene of or relating to the city of Damascus, and particularly used in the phrase Damascene conversion, in allusion to the conversion of St Paul on the road to Damascus.

Damascus was famous for its metalworking, and damascene is also used to mean relating to or denoting a process of inlaying a metal object with gold or silver decoration.

damascene

views updated May 29 2018

damascene Original name for damson.