GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Stead , 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.]
   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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   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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   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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   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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2.       
   Stead, v. t.
   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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   To fill the place of. [Obs.]
   Shak.
   
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