(Ellen) (1902-1983) Australian writer. She lived in Europe and the US 1928–68.
An exploratory, psychological writer, imaginatively innovative in form and style, she disclosed elements of the irrational, even the grotesque, in the subconscious of her characters. Her novels include The Man Who Loved Children 1940, Dark Places of the Heart 1966 (published as Cotter’s England in the UK), and I’m Dying Laughing 1986.

ETYM Old Eng. stede place, as. stede.
The function or position properly or customarily occupied or served by another; SYN. position, place, lieu.

To be of avail to; help