n.
Pronunciation: ' sted
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English stede, from Old English; akin to Old High German stat place, Old English standan to stand ― more at STAND
Date: before 12th century
1 obsolete : LOCALITY , PLACE
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 >