Lewis & Short

in-sterno, strāvi, strātum, 3, v. a.

  1. I. To cover, cover over: instrata cubilia fronde, Lucr. 5, 987; so, instratos ostro, Verg. A. 7, 277; cf.: si palo adacto caverna paleā insternatur, Plin. 19, 5, 26, § 84: pontes altos, Verg. A. 12, 675.
    1. B. Transf., to lay upon as a cover, to spread over: modicis instravit pulpita tignis (dat.), laid the stage over an insignificant scaffolding, Hor. A. P. 279.
  2. II. To cast or throw into: sese Ignibus, Stat. Th. 12, 800.