"Hadst mind to" is an archaic phrase derived from Early Modern English, specifically from the Middle English period. It is a combination of the modal verb "hadst" and the noun "mind," both of which have Old English origins. This phrase is used to express a person's intention or desire to do something in the past.
The verb "hadst" is the second-person singular past tense of "have," which denotes possession or ownership. "Mind," on the other hand, refers to an individual's thoughts, feelings, or intentions. When combined, "hadst mind to" indicates that someone had a particular desire, inclination, or intention to carry out an action or engage in a specific activity in the past.
The phrase is commonly found in ancient literary works, such as Shakespearean plays or Elizabethan poetry. It showcases the language and syntax used during that period. Nowadays, the phrase has fallen out of common usage and is considered archaic.
For example, if someone were to say, "Thou hadst mind to travel the world," it would mean that the person desired or intended to explore the world at some point in the past. The phrase is predominantly found in historical texts, period dramas, or literature set in earlier time periods.
