The phrase "hadst the features of" is an archaic and poetic form of expression, commonly found in classical literature and old English texts. It comprises three main components: "hadst," "the," and "features of."
The word "hadst," also known as "thou hadst," is the second-person singular past tense of the verb "to have" in the English language. It denotes possession or ownership of something that occurred in the past and is used to refer to the subject "thou," an archaic form of "you."
"The" is an article that is used to indicate a specific noun or set of nouns as a particular or known entity.
"Features" refer to distinctive characteristics or attributes that define the outward appearance or specific qualities of an individual or object. It can encompass various physical, behavioral, or psychological traits that set someone or something apart from others. In the context of the phrase, "features" relates to the visible elements of appearance, such as the shape of the face, expression, or countenance.
"Of" is a preposition indicating the relationship between two or more elements, often describing possession, association, or origin.
Therefore, when combined together, the phrase "hadst the features of" suggests that the subject being addressed possessed or exhibited the physical characteristics, traits, or attributes associated with a specific appearance or expression. It implies a clear connection or identification with a particular set of features that distinguish one's appearance or countenance.
