damaskeening

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. The art of ornamenting a surface of one metal by inlaying with another. A surface of iron, steel, or bronze is first engraved with lines and figures, the incisions being more or less undercut—that is, broader at the bottom than at the surface. The metal used for the ornamental pattern is then usually inlaid in the form of a narrow ribbon or strip, which is driven into its place by blows of a mallet; the whole surface is then polished. Also called damascene work.
2. n. An effect produced by repeatedly welding, drawing out, and doubling up a bar composed of a mixture of iron and steel, the surface of which is afterward treated with an acid. The surface of the iron under this treatment retains its metallic luster, while that of the steel is left with a black, firmly adhesive coating of carbon. Roscoe and Schorlemmer. Also damask, damasking.