Inlay

Definition of Inlay

In`lay´

v. t.	1.	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. [imp. & p. p. Inlaied ; p. pr. & vb. n. Inlaying.] 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.
n.	1.	Matter or pieces of wood, ivory, etc., inlaid, or prepared for inlaying; that which is inserted or inlaid for ornament or variety; as, ornamented with ivory inlay. Crocus and hyacinth with rich inlay Broidered the ground. - Milton. The sloping of the moonlit sward Was damask work, and deep inlay Of braided blooms. - Tennyson.

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