Hyper Dictionary

English Dictionary Computer Dictionary Thesaurus Dream Dictionary Medical Dictionary


Search Dictionary:  

Meaning of STEAD

Pronunciation:  sted

WordNet Dictionary
 
 Definition: [n]  the function or position properly or customarily occupied or served by another; "can you go in my stead?"; "took his place"; "in lieu of"
 
 Sponsored Links: 
 
 Synonyms: lieu, place, position
 
 See Also: behalf, function, office, part, role

 

 

Webster's 1913 Dictionary
 
 Definition: 
  1. \Stead\, n. [OE. stede place, AS. stede; akin to LG. & D.
    stede, OS. stad, stedi, OHG. stat, G. statt, st["a]tte, Icel.
    sta[eth]r, Dan. sted, Sw. stad, Goth. sta?s, and E. stand.
    [root]163. See {Stand}, and cf. {Staith}, {Stithy}.]
    1. Place, or spot, in general. [Obs., except in composition.]
       --Chaucer.
             Fly, therefore, fly this fearful stead anon.
                                                   --Spenser.
    2. Place or room which another had, has, or might have.
       ``Stewards of your steads.'' --Piers Plowman.
             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, readstead, 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.
    
  2. \Stead\, v. t.
    1. To help; to support; to benefit; to assist.
             Perhaps my succour or advisement meet, Mote stead
             you much your purpose to subdue.      --Spenser.
             It nothing steads us To chide him from our eaves.
                                                   --Shak.
    2. To fill place of. [Obs.] --Shak.
    
 

 

COPYRIGHT © 2000-2003 WEBNOX CORP. HOME | ABOUT HYPERDICTIONARY