Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - damascene

 I. noun  Date: 14th century  1. capitalized a native or inhabitant of Damascus  2. the characteristic markings of Damascus steel  II. adjective  Date: 14th century  1. capitalized of, relating to, or characteristic of Damascus or the Damascenes  2. of or relating to damask or the art of damascening  III. transitive verb  (-scened; -scening)  Etymology: Middle French damasquiner, from damasquin of Damascus  Date: 1585 to ornament (as iron or steel) with wavy patterns like those of watered silk or with inlaid work of precious metals