"Hadst to oneself" is an archaic phrase derived from Old English and primarily used in classical literature. It is a combination of the verb "hadst", the second-person singular form of "have" in the past tense, and the preposition "to oneself".
The term "hadst" signifies the possession or ownership of something, indicating that the subject of the sentence holds or possesses it. It implies personal ownership or control over an object, idea, or action, specifically in the past.
The preposition "to oneself" suggests that whatever is being possessed or controlled is exclusive to or reserved for the individual in question. It further emphasizes that the subject has sole authority or responsibility over the object or action mentioned.
Therefore, "hadst to oneself" can be defined as the act of having something exclusively or privately for personal use or control. It denotes an individual's ownership, dominion, or possession over a particular entity or situation, underscoring the notion that it is reserved solely for their individual benefit or enjoyment. This phrase often conveys a sense of privacy, exclusion, or isolation in the context of ownership, agency, or decision-making.
It is important to note that "hadst to oneself" is a somewhat antiquated expression and is rarely used in contemporary speech. However, it is occasionally encountered in classic works of literature, historic texts, or poetry.
