What is "damask steel"

Damask \Dam"ask\, a.

1. Pertaining to, or originating at, the city of Damascus; resembling the products or manufactures of Damascus.

2. Having the color of the damask rose.

   But let concealment, like a worm i' the bud, Feed on her damask cheek.
   --Shak.

   Damask color, a deep rose-color like that of the damask rose.

   Damask plum, a small dark-colored plum, generally called damson.

   Damask rose (Bot.), a large, pink, hardy, and very fragrant variety of rose ( Rosa damascena) from Damascus. ``Damask roses have not been known in England above one hundred years.''
   --Bacon.

   Damask steel, or Damascus steel, steel of the kind originally made at Damascus, famous for its hardness, and its beautiful texture, ornamented with waving lines; especially, that which is inlaid with damaskeening; -- formerly much valued for sword blades, from its great flexibility and tenacity.