'To stand in stead' definitions:

Definition of 'To stand in stead'

From: GCIDE
  • Stead \Stead\ (st[e^]d), n. [OE. stede place, AS. stede; akin to LG. & D. stede, OS. stad, stedi, OHG. stat, G. statt, st[aum]tte, Icel. sta[eth]r, Dan. sted, Sw. stad, Goth. sta[thorn]s, and E. stand. [root]163. See Stand, and cf. Staith, Stithy.]
  • 1. Place, or spot, in general. [Obs., except in composition.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
  • Fly, therefore, fly this fearful stead anon. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Place or room which another had, has, or might have. "Stewards of your steads." --Piers Plowman. [1913 Webster]
  • In stead of bounds, he a pillar set. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. A frame on which a bed is laid; a bedstead. [R.] [1913 Webster]
  • The genial bed, Sallow the feet, the borders, and the stead. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. A farmhouse and offices. [Prov. Eng. & Scot.] [1913 Webster]
  • Note: The word is now commonly used as the last part of a compound; as, farmstead, homestead, roadstead, etc. [1913 Webster]
  • In stead of, in place of. See Instead.
  • To stand in stead, or To do stead, to be of use or great advantage. [1913 Webster]
  • The smallest act . . . shall stand us in great stead. --Atterbury. [1913 Webster]
  • Here thy sword can do thee little stead. --Milton. [1913 Webster]