imbrication(n = noun.artifact) lapping, overlapping - covering with a design in which one element covers a part of another (as with tiles or shingles);
is a kind of covering
Derived forms verb imbricate₂, verb imbricate₁

   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]