stead

noun (stead — only in fixed phrases)

«stead» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition and Early Modern English — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

Everyday

In someone's stead means in their place, instead of them. tree →
To stand someone in good stead means to be very useful to them later. tree →
(old) Stead was an old word for a place or a farm, which survives in place names and the word homestead. tree →

In the lessons

Mostly found in fixed phrases and old or formal writing. «Instead» is made from «in» + «stead». «Practising your times tables will stand you in good stead» means it will help you later. Phrases: in his stead, in her stead, stand you in good stead.

Examples

The captain was ill, so his deputy led the team in his stead. tree →
Learning to swim will stand you in good stead. tree →
The king could not come, so he sent his son in his stead. tree →
Good manners will always stand you in good stead. tree →
Reading every day stood her in good stead for the exam. tree →
The settlers built a homestead on the prairie. tree →
Amphion became king of Thebes in his uncle's stead. tree →

Note

Not used on its own in everyday speech; use «instead» or «in place of». Same root as «instead», «homestead» and «steadfast». Do not confuse with «steed» (an old word for a horse).

In Jewish tradition

"In his stead" is an old phrase meaning "in his place," as when one king follows another or when one person acts for another.

Interpretation. In Exodus, Moses is to be "in God's stead" for Aaron, meaning in the role of God as the source of words. Tradition sees prophet and messenger as acting in the place of the one who sends them.

Examples

And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead. (Torah GEN.36.36, JPS 1917) tree →
And Shaul died, and Baal-hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead. (Torah GEN.36.38, JPS 1917) tree →
And Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the River reigned in his stead. (Torah GEN.36.37, JPS 1917) tree →
And Abijam his son reigned in his stead. (Prophets 1KI.14.31, JPS 1917) tree →
And Jehoahaz his son reigned in his stead. (Prophets 2KI.10.35, JPS 1917) tree →
And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead. (Prophets 2KI.19.37, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Not used on its own in everyday speech; use «instead» or «in place of». Same root as «instead», «homestead» and «steadfast». Do not confuse with «steed» (an old word for a horse).

Early Modern English

Meaning

The place or position of someone else; in someone's stead means in their place. tree →

Then and now

Today stead survives mainly in phrases such as in her stead; it is otherwise rare. The sentences use it as the dictionary does.

Examples

And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead. (Torah GEN.36.36, JPS 1917) tree →
Amphion became king of Thebes in his uncle's stead. (Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome) tree →
And Shaul died, and Baal-hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead. (Torah GEN.36.38, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Today: place.

On Mova

Trees and pragmatics of «stead» in the school dictionary: every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
«stead» in the school dictionary on Mova free.
Trees and pragmatics of «stead» in the Judaism dictionary: every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
«stead» in the Judaism dictionary on Mova free.
Trees and pragmatics of «stead» in the Early Modern English dictionary: every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
«stead» in the Early Modern English dictionary on Mova free.

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