The correct spelling of the word "hadst appearance of" may stump even the best of spellers. But fear not, with the help of IPA phonetic transcription, the spelling becomes clear. The word is pronounced /hædst əˈpɪərəns ʌv/. The "d" and "t" sounds may sound similar, but the "d" represents a voiced sound while the "t" is voiceless. The "a" in "hadst" has a short sound due to the double consonant "d" following it. The "o" in "appearance" is pronounced as the /ʌ/ sound.
The phrase "hadst appearance of" is an archaic construction, used mostly in Old English literature, and can be broken down into two parts: "hadst" which is the second-person singular form of the past tense of the verb "to have," and "appearance," which refers to the way something or someone looks or presents itself. The addition of the preposition "of" in this phrase indicates a relationship, suggesting that something has the quality or characteristics of a particular appearance.
In simpler terms, when something "hadst appearance of" something else, it means that it possessed or displayed the qualities or attributes that resembled or presented itself similar to the mentioned appearance. This phrase is frequently employed to describe the external aspect of something or someone, often focusing on the surface or superficial impression it gives.
It is important to note that the phrase "hadst appearance of" is quite dated and rarely used in modern English. Its usage mostly appears in literature written before the 19th century or in creative works that aim to recreate the ambiance and language of an earlier era. Therefore, encountering this phrase in contemporary contexts would most likely be a deliberate attempt to create a sense of antiquity or provide a historical feel to the text.