Pronunciation: [wɒst lˈuːs] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "wast loose" may be confusing to some because of the archaic use of "wast" which means "were". When pronounced, "wast" sounds like "wuhst", and "loose" is pronounced as "loos", but the "s" is silent. So, altogether the phrase is pronounced as "wuhst loos". It is important to note that in modern English, we would say "were loose" instead of "wast loose".
"Wast loose" is an archaic term deriving from Middle English, which can be broken down into two distinct components, "wast" and "loose."
The term "wast" refers to the second person singular past tense of the verb "to be" (beest/wast), meaning "you were." This verb indicates a state of existence, describing the nature or condition of a person, thing, or situation in the past. As an archaic word, "wast" is no longer commonly used in modern English, primarily found in literature, historical text, or older versions of the Bible.
On the other hand, "loose," in the context of "wast loose," means not tight, constrained, or bound. It suggests a state of being free or untied. It can also imply a lack of restraint or control, indicating a state of wildness or disorderliness. The term can be used to describe physical objects, such as an untied knot, or metaphorically to indicate a relaxed or unrestrained state of mind or behavior.
Combining these two terms, "wast loose" can be understood as an antiquated expression that loosely translates to "you were not constrained or restrained." It suggests that during a particular time or circumstance, the subject was in a free, unbound, or uncontrolled state. However, it is important to note that this term is highly archaic and seldom used in contemporary English language and would most likely be encountered only in specialized studies of Middle English or historical literature.
