The spelling of the phrase "wast linked with" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The word "wast" is pronounced /wɑːst/ with a long "a" sound and a silent "r". This is an archaic form of "was" used in older forms of English. "Linked" is pronounced /lɪŋkt/ with a short "i" sound and a "k" sound at the end. Together, these words form a phrase that means "was connected with" or "was associated with".