imbrication

Noun

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

covering with a design in which one element covers a part of another (as with tiles or shingles)Synonyms: overlapping lapping

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Imbrication \Im`bri*ca"tion\, n. [Cf. F. imbrication.] An overlapping of the edges, like that of tiles or shingles; hence, intricacy of structure; also, a pattern or decoration representing such a structure. [1913 Webster]