Damask
/ˈdæm.əsk/noun
A rich woven fabric, often patterned, traditionally made of silk, linen, or cotton; also a decorative pattern in such fabric.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Damascus, and medieval Europeans used it for the prized patterned cloth associated with the city’s luxury trade routes.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Δαμασκός (Damaskós)
“Damascus, the Syrian city”
Late Latin
Latin
damascenus
“of Damascus, Damascene”
Old French
OF
damas
“Damascus; a fine patterned fabric from Damascus”
Middle English
English
damaske
“a rich patterned silk fabric”
Modern English
English
damask
“a patterned woven fabric, especially with a figured design”