verb
- to be of use or advantage to; to help or serve
Usage: archaic; often used in the phrase 'hard bestead' meaning in difficult circumstances
Examples
- His knowledge of languages bestead him well in his diplomatic career.
- The soldiers, hard bestead by the enemy, retreated to higher ground.
- What good will your wealth bestead you if you lose your health?
- In times of crisis, true friends bestead one another.
- The old map bestead the explorers in finding their way through the wilderness.