Dovetail \Dove"tail`\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dovetailed; p. pr. & vb. n. Dovetailing.]

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Dovetail \Dove"tail`\, n. (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.

Dovetail molding (Arch.), a molding of any convex section arranged in a sort of zigzag, like a series of dovetails.

Dovetail saw (Carp.), a saw used in dovetailing.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)