Stead (st&ebreve_;d), 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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&hand_; 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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