damask (redirected from damasks)

damask (dăm`əsk) [from Damascus], fabric of silk, wool, linen, cotton, or man-made fibers, with a pattern formed by the weaving; e.g., the ground may be in twill weave, and the contrasting design in satin. True damasks are flat and reversible, thus differing from brocades. Splendid patterns, silks, and dyes were used by the Damascus weavers, sometimes with the addition of gold or silver thread. Fine linen table damask is one of the most beautiful examples of the modern weavers' art, in both pattern and texture. Double damask has more picks, or threads, to the inch than single; compound damask has one or two warps and two fillings.

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damask

a. a reversible fabric, usually silk or linen, with a pattern woven into it. It is used for table linen, curtains, etc.

b. table linen made from this

c. (as modifier): a damask tablecloth

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damask [′dam·əsk]

(textiles)

A fabric with a satin-weave pattern against a plainwoven background, made on a jacquard loom.