The spelling of the word "wast on top heap" can be a little confusing. The first word, "wast," is an old-fashioned spelling of "was." The second part, "on top heap," is clear enough. Together, the phrase means "was on top of the heap." In IPA phonetic transcription, "wast" would be represented as /wɑst/, with the "a" pronounced like the "a" in "father." Despite the unusual spelling of "wast," English speakers would understand the phrase without difficulty.