"Hadst in mind" is an archaic or literary expression that combines two elements: the auxiliary verb "hadst" and the noun phrase "in mind." When used together, it expresses the idea of having a particular thought, intention, or plan.
The term "hadst" is the second person singular past tense of the verb "to have" in early Modern English. It represents the pronoun "thou" and is followed by the verb form "had," indicating the past time.
"Ones mind" is an idiomatic phrase that refers to one's thoughts, attention, or mental processes.
Therefore, when someone says "hadst in mind," it signifies that they had a specific thought or intention in their thoughts or mental faculty in the past. It conveys that the individual possessed a certain knowledge, desire, or design at a previous moment. The term can interchangeably be used with expressions such as "you had in mind," "you were thinking of," or "you intended."
This phrase stems from the usage patterns of the English language during the Elizabethan or Shakespearean era. Today, it is considered outdated and is rarely used in contemporary speech. However, it may still be found in older literature, poetry, or as an intentional stylistic choice by authors aiming to evoke a sense of time or authenticity.
