The spelling of the word "wast solicitous" may seem odd to some, but it is actually a correct archaic form of the phrase "were solicitous". The use of "wast" instead of "were" indicates that the phrase is in the past tense and refers to someone who was previously very concerned or careful about something. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word would be pronounced /wɑst səˈlɪs ɪtəs/, with emphasis on the second syllable of "solicitous".
"Wast solicitous" is a phrase derived from Old English, comprising the verb "wast" in its past tense form and the adjective "solicitous." The term "wast," as an archaic form of the verb "to be," means "you were" or "thou wast" in present-day English. It is the second person singular past indicative form of the verb "be." On the other hand, "solicitous" is an adjective that describes a person who is excessively concerned, attentive, or anxious about something, particularly with regard to someone's well-being or needs.
When combined, "wast solicitous" refers to an individual who was, in the past, excessively attentive, caring, and troubled about something or someone. It implies a state of being excessively worried or considerate, going to great lengths to cater to the concerns or needs of another person. The phrase suggests a deep level of concern and attentiveness, highlighting the previous actions or behavior of a person that were characterized by an unwavering dedication to ensuring the welfare or satisfaction of another party.
The inclusion of "wast" in this phrase further indicates that the solicitude displayed by the individual existed in the past but may not be prevalent in the present. Additionally, the archaic language usage adds some historical or poetic flair to the definition, reflecting a phrase that may be found in older literary works.
The phrase "wast solicitous" does not have a clear etymology as it appears to be a combination of two separate words.
The word "wast" is the second person singular past tense of the verb "be" in Middle English. It derives from the Old English word "wǣre", which meant "was". Over time, it transformed into "wast" before eventually evolving into the modern word "were" in English.
The word "solicitous" comes from the Latin word "sollicitus", which means "anxious" or "troubled". It entered the English language in the early 17th century, derived from the Latin verb "sollicitare", meaning "to disturb", "to agitate", or "to solicit".