Scribing is the process of transferring the exact profile of an uneven surface onto a mating piece of wood. A carpenter runs a compass or a specialized tool along the irregular wall or floor, drawing a parallel line onto the cabinet or trim piece. The wood is then cut or planed to that line, creating a tight fit without unsightly gaps.
Heard on the job
The plaster wall is severely bowed, so we'll have to scribe the cabinet stile to make it sit flush.