The spelling of the phrase "must needs" may seem confusing at first glance. However, it can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Must" is spelled as /mʌst/, while "needs" is spelled as /niːdz/. When combined, the "st" sound in "must" and the "n" sound in "needs" blend together, creating the unique spelling of "must needs". This phrase is an old English expression that means "must necessarily" or "must absolutely".
The phrase "must needs" is a combination of two Old English words: "must" and "needs".
The word "must" originally comes from Middle English "muste" or "moste", which were derived from Old English "mōste". It is a past tense form of the verb "moten", meaning "to be obliged or to have to" in Old English. Over time, "must" has retained its meaning of necessity or obligation.
The term "needs" is derived from Old English "neod", meaning "necessity" or "compulsion". It is related to the verb "nedan", which means "to compel" or "to force". In Middle English, "needs" evolved to also function as an adverb, expressing a necessary or inevitable action.
When the two words, "must" and "needs", are combined, they reinforce the sense of obligation or necessity.