Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Bestead \Be*stead"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Bestead} or {Bested},
   also (Obs.) {Bestad}. In sense 3 imp. also {Besteaded}.]
   [Pref. be- + stead a place.]
   1. To put in a certain situation or condition; to
      circumstance; to place. [Only in p. p.]

            They shall pass through it, hardly bestead and
            hungry: . . . and curse their king and their God.
                                                  --Is. viii.
                                                  21.

            Many far worse bestead than ourselves. --Barrow.

   2. To put in peril; to beset.

   Note: [Only in p. p.] --Chaucer.

   3. To serve; to assist; to profit; to avail. --Milton.