GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
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Found 2 definitions
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Stead (stĕd), n. [OE. stede place, AS. stede; akin to LG. & D. stede, OS. stad, stedi, OHG. stat, G. statt, stätte, Icel. staðr, Dan. sted, Sw. stad, Goth. staþs, and E. stand. √163. See Stand, and cf. Staith, Stithy.]
1. Place, or spot, in general. [Obs., except in composition.] Chaucer.
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Fly, therefore, fly this fearful stead anon. Spenser.
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2. Place or room which another had, has, or might have. “Stewards of your steads.” Piers Plowman.
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In stead of bounds, he a pillar set. Chaucer.
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3. A frame on which a bed is laid; a bedstead. [R.]
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The genial bed,
Sallow the feet, the borders, and the stead. Dryden.
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4. A farmhouse and offices. [Prov. Eng. & Scot.]
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☞ The word is now commonly used as the last part of a compound; as, farmstead, homestead, roadstead, etc.
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In stead of, in place of. See Instead. -- To stand in stead, or To do stead, to be of use or great advantage.
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The smallest act . . . shall stand us in great stead. Atterbury.
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Here thy sword can do thee little stead. Milton.
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Stead, v. t.
1. To help; to support; to benefit; to assist.
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Perhaps my succour or advisement meet,
Mote stead you much your purpose to subdue. Spenser.
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It nothing steads us
To chide him from our eaves. Shak.
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2. To fill the place of. [Obs.] Shak.
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