Stead

/stɛd/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The place or position that a person or thing occupies; a place or condition of being.

He took her place in the meeting, sitting in her stead.

In place of; instead.

She decided to bring cake in stead of cookies for the party.

A condition or situation in which something is substituted.

He was chosen to take the lead in stead of the director who was absent.

Old English 'stede', meaning 'place, site, or position'.

in someone's stead:

in place of someone; as a substitute for someone.

to stand in stead:

to serve in a particular role or capacity.

to take the place of someone or something.

I'll be your stead if you can't make it to the party.