I. ˈsted 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
II. transitive verb
Date: 13th century
: to be of avail to : help