bestead

¹ American  

[bih-sted] / bɪˈstɛd /

verb (used with object)

besteaded, besteaded, bestead, besteading

1. to help; assist; serve; avail.

---

bestead ² American  

[bih-sted] / bɪˈstɛd /

adjective

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

---

Etymology

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

Though sore bestead lies Ontzlake, and he could, Right fain were he to save his livelihood.

From Accolon of Gaul with Other Poems by Cawein, Madison Julius

Then might you the good margrave have seen full ill bestead, And thus in bitterest anguish the faithful hero said.

From The Nibelungenlied Revised Edition by Unknown

But sorely bestead as he was in his captivity, he would not sanction any attempt to escape which should savour of violence.

From John Knox by Taylor, William M. (William Mackergo)

And hard bestead was Sir Owen to shield himself from the smashing blows which rained upon him.

From King Arthur's Knights The Tales Re-told for Boys & Girls by Gilbert, Henry

The fair, bright ribbon of the hours— A mountain brook bestead through flowers— Runs, a dear line, from you to you.

From Sonnets and Songs by Whitney, Helen Hay