The spelling of "hadst enough for" can be confusing due to its archaic structure. The word "hadst" is the second person singular past tense form of "have," while "enough" means sufficient or satisfactory. The word "for" is a preposition indicating purpose or destination. In IPA phonetic transcription, "hadst" is pronounced /hædst/, "enough" is pronounced /ɪˈnʌf/, and "for" is pronounced /fɔːr/. Together, the phrase is pronounced /hædst ɪˈnʌf fɔːr/, meaning you had enough for the intended purpose.
"Hadst enough for" is an archaic phrase that combines the past tense of the verb "to have" (hadst) and the adjective "enough." It is mainly found in older literary works, particularly in texts written during the Early Modern English period.
The phrase "hadst enough for" refers to a situation in which someone possesses an adequate or sufficient amount of something. It implies that the person has reached a point where they possess or possess access to the necessary quantity or quality of a particular item, resource, or experience. The "for" at the end of the phrase indicates that the sufficient quantity or quality meets a specific purpose or requirement.
For example, in a sentence like "Thou hadst enough for thy sustenance," it means the individual being addressed has acquired a satisfactory amount of food, or other necessities, to sustain themselves.
While this phrase is now considered outdated, it reflects the language used in the past and can still be found in historical literature, plays, and poetry. Understanding the meaning of "hadst enough for" allows readers to comprehend and appreciate the linguistic style of older texts and gain insight into the customs, values, and contexts of the time in which they were written.