First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1stead
noun \ˈsted\
Definition of STEAD
2
: advantage —used chiefly in the phrase to stand one in good stead
3
: the office, place, or function ordinarily occupied or carried out by someone or something else <acted in his brother's stead>
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Origin of STEAD
Middle English stede, from Old English; akin to Old High German stat place, Old English standan to stand — more at stand
Related to STEAD
- Synonyms
- better, bulge, catbird seat, drop, edge, high ground, inside track, jump, pull, advantage, upper hand, vantage, whip hand
2stead
transitive verb
STEAD Defined for Kids
stead
noun \ˈsted\
Definition of STEAD for Kids
1
: advantage Hint:This sense of stead is used mostly in the phrase stand someone in good stead. <Buck's marvellous quickness and agility stood him in good stead. — Jack London, The Call of the Wild>
2
: the place usually taken or duty carried out by the person or thing mentioned <I'll work in your stead.>
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