Definition of "onstead"

The farm onsteads on many properties are old, and afford too little accommodation

1737, Mr David Wilson, “on the Present State of the Upper Ward of Lanarkshire”, in Prize-essays and Transactions of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland

The onstead, which is nearly the same as when inhabited by the poet, lies about seven miles from the town, on the right hand side of the road, surrounded by a few trees.

1828, Robert Chambers, The Picture of Scotland, volume 1, page 232

We then did a house at Mowhaugh, and a farm-house at Stodrig, and a part of an onstead. I did the wrightwork of a house at Bemersyde, and an onstead at Butchercote.

1875, Rev. John Thomson, Life and Times of William Thomson