"Hadst on good authority" is an expression that originated from older forms of the English language and is primarily found in classic literature or historical texts. It consists of three parts: "hadst," which is an archaic second-person singular form of the verb "have," "on," indicating the source or basis of the information, and "good authority," referring to a reliable or trustworthy source of information.
When someone says they "hadst on good authority," they mean that they have received or obtained information from a reputable or dependable source. This expression suggests that the person making the statement is confident in the accuracy and reliability of the information they are about to share. It implies that the information has been verified or confirmed by someone considered knowledgeable, trustworthy, or of high standing in a specific field or subject matter.
The phrase "hadst on good authority" implies a degree of certainty and confidence in the given information. It highlights the credibility of the source and signals that the information should be regarded as reliable. However, it is important to note that the use of this expression has declined over time, and it is rarely encountered in modern language usage. Nowadays, alternative phrases such as "I was reliably informed" or "I have it on good authority" are more commonly used to convey the same meaning.