The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Damascus \Damascus\ prop. n. (Geography)
   The capital city of Syria. Population (2000) = 1,549,932.
   [PJC]

   Damascus blade, a sword or scimiter, made chiefly at
      Damascus, having a variegated appearance of watering, and
      proverbial for excellence.

   Damascus iron, or Damascus twist, metal formed of thin
      bars or wires of iron and steel elaborately twisted and
      welded together; used for making gun barrels, etc., of
      high quality, in which the surface, when polished and
      acted upon by acid, has a damask appearance.

   Damascus steel. See Damask steel, under Damask, a.
      [1913 Webster]