The spelling of the word "haddest to oneself" can be a bit confusing for those not familiar with Middle English. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be pronounced as /ˈhædɪst tu wʌnˈsɛlf/. The word "haddest" is the second person singular past tense form of the verb "have", and "to oneself" is an adverbial phrase indicating that the action was done exclusively for oneself. This phrase was commonly used in Early Modern English literature, especially in works like Shakespeare's plays.
"Haddest to oneself" is an archaic and infrequently used term derived from Old English, specifically from the verb "have" and the suffix "-est," which denotes the superlative form of a word. In its most rudimentary sense, "haddest to oneself" refers to possessing or owning something exclusively or having complete control over it. It conveys the idea of having full command or authority, thereby excluding others from sharing in the ownership or control.
The phrase implies a sense of dominance and possession, suggesting that an individual exercises sole or ultimate rights over a particular object, situation, or even personal space. It carries connotations of exclusivity and seclusion, wherein the subject retains possession or control without the involvement or interference of others.
While "haddest to oneself" was commonly used during the Middle English period and earlier, it has largely fallen out of use in contemporary English. Its archaic nature renders it unfamiliar to modern speakers, who are more likely to employ alternative expressions to convey similar meanings. Consequently, it is primarily encountered in historical texts, literary works, or in an attempt to evoke a sense of antiquity or formality.