Pronunciation: [wɒst fˈɜːst] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the phrase "wast first" is actually "was first." This is because "wast" is an archaic form of the verb "to be" in the second person singular past tense. The correct modern form is "were." The correct spelling of "was" is pronounced /wʌz/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the first sound being the vowel "u" pronounced as in "up," and the second sound being the consonant "z" pronounced as in "buzz."
"Wast first" is an archaic phrase derived from Old English, which combines "wast" (second person singular past tense of "be") and "first" (referring to the initial position or order in a sequence). It is used to describe a time or situation where someone or something held the primary or leading position or was the first to accomplish a particular action or achieve a specific status.
In the context of history or chronology, "wast first" often refers to an individual or civilization that was the earliest or original in a certain context or period. For instance, it can describe the first recorded ruler of a kingdom, the founding members of an organization, or the initial settlers of a territory.
"Wast first" can also denote being the foremost or preeminent individual or entity within a specific field or domain. This could be in terms of pioneering a new invention or discovery, setting a trend or standard, being the most accomplished or skillful in a particular craft or profession, or holding a position of authority and influence above others.
Due to its outdated usage, "wast first" is now considered obsolete in modern English. While its individual components, "wast" and "first," still retain relevance separately, the phrase itself is seldom used in contemporary communication. It is mostly encountered in historical texts and literature from the medieval period or earlier, often in the form of poetic verse or archaic translations.
The phrase "wast first" is a combination of two words: "wast" and "first".
1. "Wast": This word is the second person singular past tense of the verb "be" in Middle English. It comes from the Old English word "wǣre", which also means "were" in Modern English. "Wast" was used to address someone respectfully, mainly during Shakespearean times.
2. "First": This word comes from the Old English word "fyrst", which means "foremost" or "earliest". It has remained largely unchanged throughout the centuries.
When combined, "wast first" can be interpreted as an archaic way of saying "you were the first" in modern English. The phrase may have been commonly used in older English literature and plays, such as those by William Shakespeare.
