The phrase "wast a matter of" is an archaic spelling of "was a matter of." In Old English, the word "was" was spelled "wæs," which evolved into "was" in Modern English. The "t" at the end of "wast" signifies that it is conjugated in the second person singular form, indicating that the phrase is addressing someone directly. The IPA transcription for "wast" is /wɑst/. Despite its historical significance, this spelling is no longer commonly used in modern English.
"Wast a matter of" is an archaic and poetic expression that can be interpreted as "a cause for concern." The phrase combines the archaic verb "wast," which is an old variant of "was," with the noun "matter," meaning a subject or topic of interest or importance.
The use of "wast" in place of "was" adds a sense of elegance or antiquity to the phrase, often found in literary works of the past. It signifies that something was or became a significant issue, worry, or problem, deserving attention or consideration. "Wast a matter of" implies that the situation at hand became a point of focus or attention due to its magnitude or implication.
For example, one might say, "His health wast a matter of great concern to his family," which then suggests that the person's health condition was causing significant worry for those close to him. The phrase conveys a sense of gravity and importance, emphasizing the significance attached to the subject in question.
Overall, "wast a matter of" is an archaic expression that highlights the importance and concern associated with a particular topic or situation. It adds a touch of literary flair and an old-fashioned charm to conversations or writings.