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, The second person singular, indicative and subjunctive moods, imperfect tense, of the verb be. It is formed from were, with the ending -t, after the analogy of wast. Now used only in solemn or poetic style.

what is done or proposed by another; acquiescence; compliance; approval; permission. Thou wert possessed of David's throne By free consent of all. Milton.

Distracted; perplexed. "Distraught twixt fear and pity." Spenser. As if thou wert distraught and mad with terror. Shak. To doubt betwixt our senses and our souls Which are the most distraught and full of pain. Mrs. Browning.

howsoe'er expert In fitting aptest words to things . . . Hath power to give thee as thou wert Tennison.

A European herb (Swertia perennis) of the Gentian family.

Nearly related; closely akin. Wert thou a leopard, thou wert german to the lion. Shak. Brother german. See Brother german. -- Cousins german. See the Note under Cousin.

To treat; to use, well or ill. How wert thou handled being prisoner. Shak.

insensible to disgrace. "Such shameless bards we have." Pope. Shame enough to shame thee, wert thou not shameless. Shak.

The wheather; the climate. Thou wert better in thy grave than to answer with thy uncovered body this extremity of the skies. Shak.

s out and makes ladies' outer garments. Well said, good woman's tailor . . . I would thou wert a man's tailor. Shak.

Before. [Obs.] Toforn him goeth the loud minstrelsy. Chaucer. Would thou wert as thou tofore hast been! Shak.

all wightes." Chaucer. Every wight that hath discretion. Chaucer. Oh, say me true if thou wert mortal wight. Milton.