Pronunciation: [wɒst bɪhˈə͡ʊldən] (IPA) 
The phrase "wast beholden" is an archaic way of saying "you were obligated." The spelling of "wast" reflects the use of the past tense form of the verb "to be" in Middle English, while "beholden" comes from the Old English word "behealdan" meaning "to keep, hold, or observe." The IPA phonetic transcription for "wast beholden" is /wɑst bɪˈhoʊldən/, with stress on the second syllable of "beholden."
"Wast beholden" is an old English phrase that combines the verb "wast" from the archaic second person singular form of the verb "be" (meaning "were" or "was"), and the word "beholden." "Beholden" itself is an adjective derived from the verb "behold," meaning to see or observe. When these words are combined, "wast beholden" can be understood to mean "you were obliged or indebted."
The phrase indicates a sense of indebtedness or gratitude, implying that the subject is bound or indebted to someone or something. It suggests that there is a moral or social obligation towards the person or entity being referred to. This obligation could be due to a favor or act of kindness received, a service rendered, or even an emotional attachment. Consequently, "wast beholden" suggests a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the actions or support one has received.
As an archaic phrase, "wast beholden" is rarely used in modern English. It harks back to an earlier era and may be found in literature or historical texts. Understanding this phrase helps readers grasp the sentiments and social customs prevalent in writings from past centuries.
The term "wast beholden" is actually a combination of two separate words: "wast" and "beholden".
1. "Wast": This word is the past tense of the archaic verb "be" in the second-person singular form. "Wast" was commonly used in Middle English and is a contraction of "were" and "thou" (meaning "were you"). It eventually evolved into the modern form "were".
2. "Beholden": This word is derived from the Old English word "behealdan", which means "to keep, hold, or retain". In Middle English, it obtained the sense of being under an obligation or indebtedness. From "behealdan", the word transformed into "beholden" and has been used in English since the 13th century to denote a feeling of gratitude or indebtedness.
