from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.]
[1913 Webster]
They shall pass through it, hardly bestead and
hungry: . . . and curse their king and their God.
--Is. viii.
21.
[1913 Webster]
Many far worse bestead than ourselves. --Barrow.
[1913 Webster]
2. To put in peril; to beset.
Note: [Only in p. p.] --Chaucer.
[1913 Webster]
3. To serve; to assist; to profit; to avail. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]