Pronunciation: [wɒst ˌɛntətˈe͡ɪnd] (IPA) 
The phrase "wast entertained" appears in Shakespeare's play Hamlet. The spelling of "wast" reflects the use of the archaic second person singular past tense verb form of "be," which has since been replaced by "were." The pronunciation of "wast" is /wɑːst/ with the "a" sound pronounced like that in "father" and the "t" being silent. Therefore, the phrase is pronounced as /wɑːs ɪnˈteɪnd/ meaning "you were entertained."
"Wast entertained" is an archaic term that combines the past tense of the verb "to be" (wast) with the adjective "entertained." The phrase implies a state where someone had been kept amused, engaged, or occupied in a pleasurable manner.
In the context of old English, "wast entertained" could refer to a past occurrence in which someone had been provided with enjoyment, diversion, or hospitality. It typically suggests that the individual was entertained by another party or group of people, often in the form of social interactions, performances, or events.
The word "wast" is derived from the Old English word "wæs," which was the past tense form of "to be." This usage of "wast" indicates an action or condition that took place in the past. "Entertained" refers to the act of providing or receiving amusement or enjoyment. Therefore, "wast entertained" implies a state of being entertained at some point in the past.
However, it is important to note that this phrase is no longer commonly used in contemporary English. It is primarily found in historical texts, literature, or poetry influenced by early forms of the English language.
The phrase "wast entertained" is a part of Early Modern English, which was spoken from the late 15th to the late 17th century. It consists of the past tense of the verb "waste" combined with the verb "entertain". Here's the breakdown of their origins:
1. Waste: The word "waste" can be traced back to the Old English "wǣstan" or "weistan", which meant "to destroy, devastate". It is related to the Old High German word "weisten" and Gothic word "wastei", both having a similar meaning. This term eventually evolved into "wasten" in Middle English, and later became "waste" in Early Modern English.
2. Entertain: The word "entertain" derives from the Latin term "inter tenere", which means "to hold in between" or "to maintain".
