DAM. A barrier of stones, stakes, or rubble, constructed to stop or impede the course of a stream. (See [Inundations] and [Floating Dam].)
DAMASCENED. The mixing of various metals in the Damascus blades, the kris, or other weapons; sometimes by adding silver, to produce a watered effect.
DAMASCUS BLADE. Swords famed for the quality and temper of the metal, as well as the beauty of the jowhir, or watering of the blades.
DAMASK. Steel worked in the Damascus style, showing the wavy lines of the different metals; usually termed watered or twisted.
DAMBER. An old word for lubberly rogue.
DAMELOPRE. An ancient flat-floored vessel belonging to Holland, and intended to carry heavy cargoes over their shallow waters.
DAMMAH. A kind of turpentine or resin from a species of pine, which is used in the East Indies for the same purposes to which turpentine and pitch are applied. It is exported in large quantities from Sumatra to Bengal and other places, where it is much used for paying seams and the bottoms of vessels, for which latter purpose it is often mixed with sulphur, and answers admirably in warm climates.
DAMPER. The means by which the furnace of each boiler in a steamer can be regulated independently, by increasing or diminishing the draught to the fire.
DAMSEL. A coast name for the skate-fish.
DANCERS. The coruscations of the aurora. (See [Merry Dancers].)