Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Inlay
In-lay′
,Verb.
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
Is thick
inlaid
with patines of bright gold. Shakespeare
But these things are . . . borrowed by the monks to
inlay
their story. Milton.
In′layˊ
,Noun.
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
Broidered the ground.
inlay
Broidered the ground.
Milton.
The sloping of the moonlit sward
Was damask work, and deep
Of braided blooms.
Was damask work, and deep
inlay
Of braided blooms.
Tennyson.
Webster 1828 Edition
Inlay
INLA'Y
,Verb.
T.
To veneer; to diversify cabinet or other work by laying in and fastening with glue, thin slices or leaves of fine wood, on a ground of common wood. This is used in making compartments.