dovetail Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a mortise joint formed by interlocking tenons and mortises
    dovetail joint.
  2. verb fit together tightly, as if by means of a dovetail

WordNet

Dove"tail` noun
Definitions
  1. (Carp.) 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.
Dove"tail` transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Dovetailed ; present participle & verbal noun Dovetailing
Definitions
  1. (Carp.) (a) To cut to a dovetail. (b) To join by means of dovetails.
  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. Burke.

Webster 1913