stead 
(stĕd)
(stĕd)n.
1. The place, position, or function properly or customarily occupied by another.
2. Advantage; service; purpose: "His personal relationship with the electorate stands in good stead" (John Sears).
tr.v. stead·ed, stead·ing, steads
To be of advantage or service to; benefit.
[Middle English stede, from Old English; see stā- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]