The phrase "didst business with" is an archaic construction in English that combines the past tense form of the auxiliary verb "do" ("didst") with the noun "business" and the preposition "with." It implies engaging in some form of commercial activity or transaction with another party, typically for profit or exchange of goods or services.
In a historical or more formal context, "didst business with" can refer to conducting trade, negotiations, or dealings with individuals, companies, or organizations. It suggests involvement in any transactions or operations related to buying, selling, or providing goods or services. This phrase emphasizes the action of conducting business in the past, specifically referencing actions performed by the second person singular pronoun ("thou") or addressing one individual.
For instance, if someone were to say, "Thou didst business with the local merchants," it means "You engaged in commerce or trade with the local merchants." It implies that the individual conducted various transactions, such as purchasing goods, negotiating prices, or engaging in any form of commercial activity with the mentioned merchants.
Overall, "didst business with" denotes the involvement in commercial activities, highlighting past actions, and personifying transactions and dealings with others. However, due to its outdated usage, this phrase is uncommon in contemporary English and is typically restricted to historical or literary contexts.
