The spelling "haddest the say" appears to be an archaic or dialectal form of the phrase "had the say." The IPA phonetic transcription for "had the say" would be /hæd ðə seɪ/. The unusual spelling likely reflects variations in regional dialects, as well as changes in spelling conventions over time. In contemporary English, the correct spelling is simply "had the say," meaning to have authority or control over a situation or decision.
The phrase "haddest the say" is an archaic expression derived from Old English and Middle English. It is a combination of the verb "have" in the past tense, "haddest," and the noun "say." In modern English, it can be understood as the past form of "had the say."
The term "had the say" refers to having the power, authority, or control to make decisions or have a decisive influence over a particular matter. It suggests that someone has the final word or is in a position of prominence in determining the outcome of a situation. It implies that this person possesses the ability to express their opinions, make choices, and influence others' actions.
In this context, the verb "have" emphasizes possession, indicating that the individual in question exercises control and authority over the matter at hand. The noun "say" refers to the ability to express one's thoughts, opinions, or preferences. Hence, "haddest the say" signifies the possession of the power to determine and influence decisions, often implying a position of leadership, authority, or dominance in a given situation.
Although no longer widely used in contemporary English, understanding the historical context and meaning of "haddest the say" contributes to one's knowledge of the evolution and richness of the language.