Inlay \In*lay"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Inlaied}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Inlaying}.] To lay within; hence, to insert, as pieces of pearl, iviry, 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.