Stead /(stĕd)/

Stead

n.
  1. Place, or spot, in general. [Obs., except in composition.]
    Fly, therefore, fly this fearful stead anon.
  2. Place or room which another had, has, or might have.
    In stead of bounds, he a pillar set.
  3. A frame on which a bed is laid; a bedstead. [R.]
    The genial bed, Sallow the feet, the borders, and the stead.
  4. A farmhouse and offices. [Prov. Eng. & Scot.]
    The smallest act . . . shall stand us in great stead.
    Here thy sword can do thee little stead.

Phrases & Compounds
In stead of
in place of. See Instead.
To stand in stead
to be of use or great advantage.

Stead

v. t.
  1. To help; to support; to benefit; to assist.
    Perhaps my succour or advisement meet, Mote stead you much your purpose to subdue.
    It nothing steads us To chide him from our eaves.
  2. To fill the place of. [Obs.]