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Entry 6 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Stead

/(stĕd)/ · IPA /stɛd/
01 n. Place, or spot, in general.
  1. 1.
    Place, or spot, in general.[Obs., except in composition.]
    “Fly, therefore, fly this fearful stead anon.” — Spenser.
  2. 2.
    Place or room which another had, has, or might have.
    “In stead of bounds, he a pillar set.” — Chaucer.
  3. 3.
    A frame on which a bed is laid; a bedstead.[R.]
    “The genial bed, Sallow the feet, the borders, and the stead.” — Dryden.
  4. 4.
    A farmhouse and offices.[Prov. Eng. & Scot.]
    “The smallest act . . . shall stand us in great stead.” — Atterbury.
    “Here thy sword can do thee little stead.” — Milton.
Phrases & compounds
In stead of — in place of. See Instead.
To stand in stead — to be of use or great advantage.
02 v. t. To help; to support; to benefit; to assist.
  1. 1.
    To help; to support; to benefit; to assist.
    “Perhaps my succour or advisement meet, Mote stead you much your purpose to subdue.” — Spenser.
    “It nothing steads us To chide him from our eaves.” — Shak.
  2. 2.
    To fill the place of.[Obs.]