Dovetail
Dovetail , noun
(Carpentry) 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.
Collocations (2)
Dovetail molding (Architecture) , a molding of any convex section arranged in a sort of zigzag, like a series of dovetails.
Dovetail saw (Carpentry) , a saw used in dovetailing.
Dovetail , transitive verb
1.
(a) (Carpentry) To cut to a dovetail.
(b)
(Carpentry) 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.