> as lemmas

a. In the past subjunctive, with adjective or (later) adverb in the comparative or superlative or with as, as had better, had liefer, had rather, had sooner; had best, had liefest; †had as good, had as soon, had as well, etc. Used to express a preference for something, or the (comparative) desirability of something. Cf. similar constructions with would (will v.¹ 4a).In Old and Middle English, the comparative adjectives liefer, better, etc., were constructed with be and the dative, e.g. him were better ‘it would be better for him’ (see e.g. better adj. 4a(a), lief adj. 1c). Constructions with have and the nominative arose in Middle English, as he had better ‘he would hold or find it better or preferable’. Use with positive and superlative adjectives arose later, as did use with adverbs (apparently from a reinterpretation of liefer, better, etc., in these constructions as adverbs).Some individual constructions are also treated more fully at the adjectives and adverbs, as had better at better adj. 4b, had rather at rather adv. 8d, etc.In some instances of the contracted form 'd, e.g. I'd rather, it is unclear whether the full form is had or would.