The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Riveting \Riv"et*ing\, n.
   1. The act of joining with rivets; the act of spreading out
      and clinching the end, as of a rivet, by beating or
      pressing.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. The whole set of rivets, collectively. --Tomlinsin.
      [1913 Webster]

   Butt riveting, riveting in which the ends or edges of
      plates form a butt joint, and are fastened together by
      being riveted to a narrow strip which covers the joint.

   Chain riveting, riveting in which the rivets, in two or
      more rows along the seam, are set one behind the other.

   Crossed riveting, riveting in which the rivets in one row
      are set opposite the spaces between the rivets in the next
      row.

   Double riveting, in lap riveting, two rows of rivets along
      the seam; in butt riveting, four rows, two on each side of
      the joint.

   Lap riveting, riveting in which the ends or edges of plates
      overlap and are riveted together.
      [1913 Webster]
      [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Rivet \Riv"et\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Riveted; p. pr. & vb. n.
   Riveting.]
   1. To fasten with a rivet, or with rivets; as, to rivet two
      pieces of iron.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To spread out the end or point of, as of a metallic pin,
      rod, or bolt, by beating or pressing, so as to form a sort
      of head.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. Hence, to fasten firmly; to make firm, strong, or
      immovable; as, to rivet friendship or affection.
      [1913 Webster]

            Rivet and nail me where I stand, ye powers!
                                                  --Congreve.
      [1913 Webster]

            Thus his confidence was riveted and confirmed. --Sir
                                                  W. Scott.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

riveting
    adj 1: capable of arousing and holding the attention; "a
           fascinating story" [syn: absorbing, engrossing,
           fascinating, gripping, riveting]