Dovetail /(?)/

Dove·tail

Dovetail

n.
  1. A flaring tenon, or tongue (shaped like a bird's tail spread), and a mortise, or socket, into which it fits tightly, making an interlocking joint between two pieces which resists pulling a part in all directions except one. (Carp.)

Phrases & Compounds
Dovetail molding
a molding of any convex section arranged in a sort of zigzag, like a series of dovetails.
Dovetail saw
a saw used in dovetailing.

Dovetail

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Dovetailed; p. pr. & vb. n. Dovetailing

  1. To cut to a dovetail. (Carp.)
  2. To fit in or connect strongly, skillfully, or nicely; to fit ingeniously or complexly.
    He put together a piece of joinery so crossly indented and whimsically dovetailed . . . that it was indeed a very curious show.