The word "doeth as told" is spelled with the Old English spelling of "doth" which is pronounced as /dʌθ/. The sound /ð/ used to represent the voiced dental fricative is replaced by /θ/, which represents the voiceless dental fricative. The word "told" is pronounced as /təʊld/, with the long vowel sound /əʊ/. This archaic spelling is rarely used in modern English, but it helps us understand the historical development of our language.
The phrase "doeth as told" is an archaic expression derived from Middle English and is rooted in the verb "doeth," the third person singular form of the word "do," which means "to perform an action" or "to carry out a task." "As told" is a prepositional phrase that indicates compliance or obedience to instructions. Therefore, "doeth as told" conveys the act of executing commands or following directions precisely as they have been given.
This phrase emphasizes the importance of obedience and submission to authority. It implies that an individual is dutifully and diligently completing the tasks assigned to them without questioning or deviating from the instructions provided. It suggests a willingness to conform and adhere to the guidance or orders given, with the expectation that they will be carried out precisely and without error.
The term "doeth as told" has its roots in early English literature and plays, particularly during the medieval period. It reflects a hierarchical and authoritarian societal structure where obedience and subordination were highly valued virtues. Today, this expression is rarely used in modern language but may occasionally be encountered in literature, poetry, or historical works, serving as a reminder of the dynamics of authority and the expectation of compliance.