The archaic phrase "hath a case" is spelled with the Old English third person singular present tense verb "hath", meaning "has", and the noun "case". In IPA phonetic transcription, "hath" is pronounced /hæθ/ with a voiceless velar fricative /θ/ sound at the end. "Case" is pronounced /keɪs/ with a diphthong /eɪ/ followed by the voiceless alveolar fricative /s/ sound. Together, "hath a case" is pronounced /hæθ ə keɪs/. The phrase is rarely used in modern English and is often considered old-fashioned.
"Hath a case" is a colloquial and informal phrase that is derived from older English usage. It is a variant of the phrase "has a case," where "hath" is the antiquated form of the verb "to have." When someone "hath a case," it means they possess or experience a situation, condition, or issue that requires attention, examination, or resolution.
The term is often used to describe a person who is facing a particular problem, challenge, or dilemma. It could refer to someone who is dealing with a legal matter, a medical condition, or any other predicament that demands consideration and action. The phrase suggests that the individual has a genuine issue that needs to be addressed and resolved.
In contemporary usage, "hath a case" can also imply that an individual has strong and valid reasons or evidence to support their stance or argument. It implies that they have a compelling and well-founded explanation or proof for their claims.
However, it is worth noting that this phrase is not part of standard English vocabulary and is mainly used in certain dialects or informal contexts. It captures a sense of old-fashioned charm and may be employed for humorous effect or to add a touch of quaintness to the language.