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.]
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            They shall pass through it, hardly bestead and
            hungry: . . . and curse their king and their God.
                                                  --Is. viii.
                                                  21.
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            Many far worse bestead than ourselves. --Barrow.
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   2. To put in peril; to beset.

   Note: [Only in p. p.] --Chaucer.
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   3. To serve; to assist; to profit; to avail. --Milton.
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