Dictionaries of the Scots Language
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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Takil(l, v. Also: takyll, -le, taikl-. [ME and e.m.E. takil (Rolle), takle (c1400), takyl(l (1530), tacle (1550), tackle (1579-80).] To adjust or manipulate (the rigging or sails of a ship, also the ship itself). Also transf. 1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. 1360.
I saw ane lustie barge Ouirset with seyis … This gudelie carwell taiklit traist on raw, With blanschite saill 1513 Doug. iii ii 119.
The noys vpsprang of mony marynar Byssy at thar wark to takilling euery tow Thar feris exorting … To speid tham fast towart … Crete 1513 Doug. x v 34.
Now awaik, Takill [Sm. Takyll, Ruddim. Takil] thy schippys, and thy schetis sclaik 1549 Compl. 41/22, 26.
Quhen the schip vas taiklit the master cryit, boy to the top … marynalis, stand be ȝour geyr in taiklene of ȝour salis 1600-1610 Melvill 169.
Or we could gett our sealles taklit 1600-1610 Melvill 253.
Nather was ther handes to takle the sealles, nor was the grathe haill and freshe to byd the wound [= wind]transf. c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 177/41.
Thocht thow be taklit nevir so sure Thow sall in deathis port arryve