The phrase "wast in brown study" may seem strange to modern readers due to the archaic spelling of "wast." This spelling reflects the older form of the verb "to be," which was commonly spelled as "wast" or "wert" in Middle and Early Modern English. The spelling "brown study" also harkens back to an older time, when "brown" was used to describe a deep or brooding mood. The pronunciation of "wast" in IPA notation is /wɑst/, while "brown study" is pronounced as /braʊn ˈstʌdi/.
"Wast in brown study" is an archaic phrase that combines two terms: "wast" and "brown study."
"Wast" is an abbreviated version of the word "were," which is the past tense form of the verb "to be." It is primarily used in archaic and poetic contexts and refers to a state of being, existence, or occurrence in the past.
On the other hand, a "brown study" is an obsolete phrase that refers to a deep, thoughtful, or melancholic state of contemplation or reverie. The word "brown" in this context is often associated with a sense of dullness, somberness, or seriousness.
Combining "wast" with "brown study" suggests that the subject or person was present or existed in a state of deep contemplation or melancholic thought in the past. This phrase is often used to describe someone who appears lost in thought or daydreaming, possibly neglecting their immediate surroundings or responsibilities.
The phrase "wast in brown study" conjures an image of someone in a deeply absorbed and introspective state, perhaps lost in their own thoughts or disconnected from present reality. It denotes a tendency to withdraw mentally and engage in extended reflection or introspection, often at the expense of practical considerations or immediate obligations.