"Hadst respect to" is an archaic phrase derived from Old English and Middle English, which can be deconstructed to its constituent words for clarity— "hadst" is the second-person singular past tense of 'have' and "respect" refers to consideration or regard towards someone or something. Therefore, "hadst respect to" essentially means "you had regard for" or "you considered" in contemporary language.
This phrase implies that an individual possessed a level of mindfulness, attention, or consideration in relation to a specific subject, person, or situation. It suggests that the person acknowledged or took into account the relevance, importance, or influence of something. When someone hadst respect to something, they were mindful of its existence, its effect on their decisions or actions, or its significance in a specific context.
The phrase "hadst respect to" was more commonly used in older English literature, poetry, or texts, and is rarely employed in modern-day language. Its usage can be found in works of William Shakespeare, Geoffrey Chaucer, or other prominent writers from the Renaissance and medieval eras.
In conclusion, "hadst respect to" indicates a person's past decision or action to consider or pay attention to someone or something, emphasizing their awareness, thoughtfulness, and acknowledgment.
