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Entry 3 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Dovetail

/dŭv'-tālˌ/ · Dove·tail · IPA /ˈdʌvˌteɪl/
01 n. 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…
  1. 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.
02 v. t. To cut to a dovetail.
imp. & p. p. Dovetailed; p. pr. & vb. n. Dovetailing
  1. 1.
    To cut to a dovetail.(Carp.)
  2. 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.