† need-steadadj.
Obsolete. rare.
In trouble or distress; = need-bestead adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > adversity > in adversity [phrase] > in time of adversity
at (also to) needc1175
in a needc1225
need-stead?c1450
the world > action or operation > difficulty > [phrase] > in a difficult position > in straits
waterOE
straitly steadc1400
need-stead?c1450
at the worst hand1490
in suds1575
lock1598
at a bad hand1640
in a wood1659
in bad bread1743
up a stump1829
in a tight (also awkward, bad, etc.) spot1851
up shit creek1868
in the cart1889
in the soup1889
out on a limb1897
in a spot1929
up the creek1941
consommé1957
?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) 5492 (MED) He was anes nede stad in þe se; In nede he prayde and mete gat he.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2003; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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adj.?c1450