In·lay v. t. [imp. & p. p. Inlaied p. pr. & vb. n. Inlaying.] To lay within; hence, to insert, as pieces of pearl, ivory, mother-of-pearl, choice woods, or the like, in a groundwork of some other material; to form an ornamental surface; to diversify or adorn with insertions.
  Look, how the floor of heaven
  Is thick inlaid with patines of bright gold.   --Shak.
     But these things are . . . borrowed by the monks to inlay their story.   --Milton.