roadstead UK /ˈɹəʊdstɛd/US /ˈɹoʊdˌstɛd/ noun1 •A partly sheltered anchorage; a stretch of water near the shore where vessels may ride at anchor, but with less protection than a harbour.The shores of Protection island form on its south side, which is about two miles long, a most excellent roadstead, and a channel into port Discovery, near 2 miles wide on either side […] — 1798 formsroadsteads