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[1] 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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