from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Inlay \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.
[1913 Webster]
Look, how the floor of heaven
Is thick inlaid with patines of bright gold. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
But these things are . . . borrowed by the monks to
inlay their story. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]