Stead

n. [O. Eng. stede, A-S. stede, styde, stedhe, a place, station, L. Ger. & D. stede, O. D. stad, staede, Dan. sted, Sw. stad, Icel. staðr, O. Sax. stad, stedi, O. H. Ger. stat, stadta, N. H. Ger. statt, stätte, Goth. staths.] 1. Place, in general. [Obs.] Fly, therefore, fly this fearful stead. Spencer. 2. Place or room which another had, or might have. God hath appointed me another seed in stead of Abel, whom Cain slew. Gen. iv. 25. 3. The frame on which a bed is laid; a bedstead; — rarely used alone. Sallow the feet, the borders, and the stead. Dryden. To stand in stead, or to do stead, to be of use or great advantage. The smallest act of charity shall stand us in great stead. Atterbury. Here thy sword can do thee little stead. Milton.