stand in good stead

Stead, sted, n. the place which another had or might have: a fixed place of abode: use, help, service, as in 'To stand in good stead.'—n.

The young generation which has read his books and had its imagination fired will contain, of course, only a small percentage of soldiers, but the sense of grit and the dogged indomitable spirit to be derived from such works will stand in good stead to all, whether the battle be faced in the humdrum of daily life or actually with the forces of the king.

Stead, both as noun and verb, is obsolete except in certain phrases, e.g. ‘to stand in good stead,’ and in composition, e.g. steadfast, homestead, instead, Hampstead, etc.

Peace be with you!" said the Sheikh; "and if you ever need a friend, may it be Musa's lot to stand in good stead to you.

Bestead = help, stand in good stead.