Dictionary
stead
Pronunciation: (sted), [key]—
n.
1. the place of a person or thing as occupied by a successor or substitute:
The nephew of the queen came in her stead.
2. Obs.a place or locality.
3. stand in good stead, to be useful to, esp. in a critical situation:
Your experience will stand you in good stead.
—
v.t.
to be of service, advantage, or avail to.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.