To help, assist, or stand by someone in need; archaic usage meaning to be of service or to avail someone in their predicament.
From Old English 'bestedan,' combining 'be-' with 'stead' (a place or position), originally meaning 'to place in good stead' or to benefit someone's situation.
This beautiful archaic word shows how 'stead' once meant something active—'to bestead someone' meant you were actually improving their situation, which is why 'standing in good stead' still means being genuinely helpful to someone's future prospects.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.