Why Is It Called a Dovetailing?

A dovetail is a joint in woodworking where two sides are fitted together with interlocking pieces. ... Dovetails got their name from the tail feather-like shape of the joint's pieces.

Where does the phrase dovetailing come from?

So called from resemblance of shape in the tenon or mortise of the joints to that of the bird's tail display. As a verb, "to unite by dovetail tenons," 1650s; figuratively "unite closely, as if by dovetails." Related: Dovetailed.

What is dovetailing in literature?

verb. (tr) to join by means of dovetails. to fit or cause to fit together closely or neatlyhe dovetailed his arguments to the desired conclusion.