The spelling "hadst the audacity" may seem peculiar, but it is actually a correct archaic form of the phrase "had the audacity". The use of "hadst" instead of "had" is a second person singular past tense verb form in Early Modern English. In IPA phonetic transcription, "hadst" would be pronounced as /hædɪst/. This form of English is no longer in common use, but can still be found in literature and historical documents.
"Hadst the audacity" is an archaic phrase derived from the verb "to have" (hadst) and the noun "audacity." It denotes a strong sense of boldness, courage, or impertinence demonstrated by someone in a past context. This phrase is predominantly found in older English literature or historical texts.
The verb phrase "hadst" is the second person singular past tense form of "to have." It signifies possession or ownership of something. In this context, it indicates an individual's possession of a particular audacious quality or behavior. "Audacity" refers to the willingness to take risks, display confidence, or act boldly, even in the face of potential consequences or conventional norms.
Combining these two terms, "hadst the audacity" implies that the person being referred to possessed a remarkable level of courage or confidence. It suggests that this individual displayed a bold or daring attitude that might have been considered audacious or impertinent at the time.
Overall, the phrase "hadst the audacity" describes a person's extraordinary display of boldness or impudence. It emphasizes their ability to act fearlessly or assertively, regardless of societal expectations or potential challenges. This term provides insight into historical uses of language and reflects a particular cultural understanding of audacity in a specific period.