damask

views updated May 21 2018

dam·ask / ˈdaməsk/ • n. 1. a figured woven fabric with a pattern visible on both sides, typically used for table linen and upholstery. ∎  a tablecloth made of this material.2. short for damask rose.• adj. made of or resembling damask. ∎ poetic/lit. having the velvety pink or light red color of a damask rose.• v. [tr.] weave with figured designs. ∎ poetic/lit. decorate with or as if with a variegated pattern.

damask

views updated May 14 2018

damask in various names of natural and artificial products reputed to derive from Damascus (cf. prec.); orig. attrib. uses of the name (in ME. Damaske), in some uses absol. as sb., e.g. damask (cloth) XIV; damask plum, damask rose XVI; †damask water; damask (steel) XVII; the colour of the damask rose XVI.

damask

views updated May 23 2018

damask a figured, lustrous woven fabric, with a pattern visible on both sides, originally produced in Damascus.
damask rose a sweet-scented rose of an old variety (or hybrid) that is typically pink or light red in colour. The petals are very soft and velvety and are used to make attar.