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.
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.