The phrase "hadst all to oneself" is written using Old English spelling conventions. The first word, "hadst", comes from the Old English verb "habban", meaning "to have". The "-st" ending indicates that the subject is second person singular ("you had"). "All" is spelled the same as in modern English. "To" is spelled with the Old English letter "ð", pronounced like the "th" in "them". "Oneself" is spelled as one word, with each syllable pronounced: /wʌn.sɛlf/. Together, this phrase means "you had everything to yourself".
"Hadst all to oneself" is an archaic phrase that can be defined as the state or act of being alone, without the presence or interference of anyone else. The term "thou" was used in Early Modern English as the second person singular pronoun, while "hadst" is the verb form of "to have" conjugated in the second person singular. Therefore, "hadst all to oneself" implies the possession or enjoyment of something exclusively by the person being addressed.
The expression suggests a sense of complete solitude or seclusion. It signifies a situation in which an individual enjoys an environment or an experience with no other person present, leaving them uninterrupted and free from the influence or intrusion of others. This phrase implies an internal state of privacy, where one can be entirely self-reliant and self-contained.
The concept of having something or engaging in an activity "to oneself" evokes a sense of individuality, allowing for personal exploration, contemplation, or enjoyment. It can refer to physical spaces, moments of solitude, or even emotional experiences such as having undivided attention or complete control over something.
Furthermore, "hadst all to oneself" carries a connotation of exclusivity, suggesting a special opportunity or privilege. It emphasizes the notion of possessing or experiencing something that nobody else can partake in, granting a sense of importance or uniqueness to the individual who has it.