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.—
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.—
II. To cast or throw into: “sese Ignibus,” Stat. Th. 12, 800.