SG Heritage Dictionary

Dove-tail [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1828

In carpentry, the manner of fastening boards and timbers together by letting one piece into another in the form of a doves tail spread, or wedge reversed, so that it cannot be drawn out. This is the strongest of all the fastenings or jointings.

Dove-tail [Verb transitive] Webster's Dictionary 1828

To unite by a tenon in form of a pigeons tail spread, let into a board or timber.

Dove-tailed [Participle passive] Webster's Dictionary 1828

United by a tenon in form of a doves tail.

Dove-tailing [Participle present tense] Webster's Dictionary 1828

Uniting by a dove-tail.