Stead n.
 1. Place, or spot, in general. [Obs., except in composition.]
    Fly, therefore, fly this fearful stead anon.   --Spenser.
 2. Place or room which another had, has, or might have. “Stewards of your steads.”
    In stead of bounds, he a pillar set.   --Chaucer.
 3. A frame on which a bed is laid; a bedstead. [R.]
 The genial bed,
 Sallow the feet, the borders, and the stead.   --Dryden.
 4. A farmhouse and offices. [Prov. Eng. & Scot.]
 Note: ☞ The word is now commonly used as the last part of a compound; as, farmstead, homestead, roadstead, etc.
 In stead of, in place of. See Instead.
 To stand in stead, or To do stead, to be of use or great advantage.
    The smallest act . . . shall stand us in great stead.   --Atterbury.
    Here thy sword can do thee little stead.   --Milton.