dovetailed

Dovetailed refers to a joint design in woodworking in which two pieces interlock through a pattern of pins and tails cut to resemble a dove's tail. The term derives from the characteristic trapezoidal shapes that resist being pulled apart; dovetail joints have been used for centuries in boxes, drawers, and fine furniture. They are typically cut so that the pins are on one piece and the tails on the mating piece; the joint can be through dovetail, half-blind dovetail, or sliding dovetail.

Through dovetails show the full thickness of both pieces; half-blind dovetails reveal tails from one face but not the other; sliding dovetails rely on a wedge-like mortise and tenon for linear alignment.

They provide strong tensile strength along the grain and resist pulling forces; they also distribute stress well, and glue is often used in addition to the mechanical interlock. However, they require precise layout and cutting, especially by hand, and are more time-consuming than simpler joints. Modern production may use jigs, templates, or CNC routers; in high-end carpentry, dovetails are a hallmark of quality.

In broader usage, the term dovetailed can describe elements that fit together tightly within a system or plan, indicating careful integration and coordination.