"Wast under obligation" is an archaic phrase that combines Middle English and Old English words.
"Wast" is the second person singular past tense and past participle of the verb "to be" in Middle English, which means "you were."
"Under" is a preposition in Old English that denotes a lower position or status, which implies being subject to or guided by something.
"Obligation" is a noun borrowed from Latin in the late 14th century, which refers to a duty, binding commitment, or moral indebtedness to fulfill a responsibility or expectation.
When put together, "wast under obligation" can be translated as "you were subject to or bound by a duty or commitment."
This phrase suggests that someone had a perceived or defined responsibility that they were required to fulfill or comply with in the past. It implies a sense of being morally, legally, or socially bound to carry out a particular action or meet certain expectations.
As an archaic term, "wast under obligation" is rarely used in contemporary English. However, its meaning can be understood in the context of historical or literary texts, such as Shakespearean plays or ancient legal documents, where similar language and phrasing may be encountered.
