\Be*stead"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Bestead} or {Bested},
also (Obs.) {Bestad}. In sense 3 imp. also {Besteaded}.]
[Pref. be- + stead a place.]
1. To put in a certain situation or condition; to
   circumstance; to place. [Only in p. p.]
         They shall pass through it, hardly bestead and
         hungry: . . . and curse their king and their God.
                                               --Is. viii.
                                               21.
         Many far worse bestead than ourselves. --Barrow.
2. To put in peril; to beset.
Note: [Only in p. p.] --Chaucer.
3. To serve; to assist; to profit; to avail. --Milton.