The spelling of the word "hadst qualms" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Hadst" is pronounced as /hædst/, with the stress on the first syllable, and is the archaic second person singular past tense form of "have". "Qualms" is pronounced as /kwɔmz/, with the stress on the first syllable, and refers to feelings of doubt or unease. The combination of these words means "you had doubts" and is commonly used in literature from the past.
Hadst qualms is an archaic expression derived from Middle English and is composed of two main components: the verb "hadst," which is the second person singular past tense of the verb "have," and "qualms," a noun.
The verb "hadst" indicates possession or ownership, specifically referring to the second person singular subject ("you") in the past tense. It implies that the person being addressed held or possessed something in the past.
On the other hand, "qualms" is a plural noun that refers to feelings of doubt, uneasiness, or guilt about an action or decision. It suggests a sense of moral or ethical hesitation or reservation one may experience when faced with a certain situation or choice.
Thus, the combination "hadst qualms" can be understood as a phrase specific to old English, implying that the addressor or interlocutor possessed or owned a feeling of hesitation, doubt, or unease in the past. It conveys the idea that the listener had reservations or misgivings about something at a previous point in time. Nowadays, the phrase is rarely used, as the verb form and phrasing belong to an older English style, mostly found in historical literature or classic works.
The phrase "hadst qualms" is a combination of two words: "hadst" and "qualms".
1. "Hadst": In this context, "hadst" is the archaic second-person singular past tense of the verb "have" in English. It is derived from the Old English word "hæfde", meaning "had".
2. "Qualms": The word "qualms" originated from Middle English "qualme", which came from Old English "cwealm". "Cwealm" referred to "violent death" or "plague". Over time, its meaning evolved to include "feeling of unease or malaise", especially related to one's conscience or moral doubts.
Therefore, when combined, the phrase "hadst qualms" refers to the past tense of having feelings of unease, anxiety, or moral doubts.