bestead

¹

[bih-sted]

verb (used with object)

besteaded, besteaded, bestead, besteading. 

1. to help; assist; serve; avail.

bestead

²

[bih-sted]

adjective

1. Archaic.,  placed or situated, often unfavorably or in difficulty.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bestead¹

First recorded in 1575–85; be- + stead

Origin of bestead²

1300–50; Middle English bisted, bistad, equivalent to bi be- + sted, variant of stad placed < Old Norse staddr, past participle of stethja to place, derivative of stathr place

Example Sentences

But so it was; and as the people of Jabesh-Gilead either knew not or cared not for their real defence, the God of Israel, they found themselves too hard bestead by the Ammonites, and, exhausted probably by the weary siege, proposed terms of capitulation.

From Project Gutenberg

Weary and distraught, and well nigh overcome with the struggle, as she felt the loud pulsations of his throbbing heart, and experienced the mesmeric influence of strong earthly passion, the sorely bestead maiden breathed from her fainting soul an earnest prayer for guidance; and her silent petition for aid in the hour of need was answered.

From Project Gutenberg

They shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: … and curse their king and their God.

From Project Gutenberg

Many far worse bestead than ourselves.

From Project Gutenberg

To revenge his ferryman this fierce assault he plann'd There slain was sturdy Gelfrat by my good brother's hand, And Elsy scarce escap'd us; 'faith he was ill bestead.

From Project Gutenberg