The phrase "were in habit of" refers to a repeated behavior or routine. Antonyms for this phrase could include "sporadic," meaning the behavior is irregular or infrequent, "unaccustomed," indicating the behavior is unfamiliar or not habitual, or "unfamiliar," meaning the behavior is entirely new or unknown. Other antonyms could be "irregular," "uncommon," "atypical," "novel," "occasional," or "unusual." Each of these antonyms represents a different way of describing a behavior that is not a habit, but rather something that occurs infrequently or is outside of the norm.