The spelling of the word "hadst a job" is unique as it is an archaic form of the present tense verb "to have" and the past participle "had". In IPA phonetic transcription, "hadst" is /hædst/ and represents the second person singular past tense form. "A" here is used to mean "have" and is pronounced as /ə/. The entire phrase together would then be pronounced as /hædst ə d͡ʒɒb/. This old-fashioned spelling and pronunciation may be unfamiliar to modern English speakers but is worth studying for its historical significance.
The phrase "hadst a job" is an archaic expression derived from Middle English and Shakespearean English. In order to understand its meaning, it is essential to deconstruct the individual components. "Hadst" is the second person singular past tense form of the verb "have" while "job" refers to a specific task or piece of work undertaken for adequate compensation.
Thus, "hadst a job" can be defined as an outdated way of expressing someone's possession or engagement in gainful employment or occupational activities in the past. It denotes an individual's past involvement in work that requires abilities, skills, and knowledge, connoting a sense of occupation or profession. This phrase is typically used in literary works, historical texts, or discussions related to Renaissance English or Classical literature.
The inclusion of "hadst" instead of "had" adds a sense of antiquity and formality to the phrase, highlighting its archaic nature and positioning it within a specific linguistic and temporal context. Nowadays, "hadst a job" is rarely used in contemporary conversations or formal writing, as the standard English verb form "had" has supplanted its usage.
Overall, "hadst a job" can be understood as a conventional expression from an earlier era, signifying the possession or engagement in paid work or occupation in the past.