Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BETAK(E), v. [bə′tɑk]

1. To inflict on, hand over.Abd.⁹ 1934:
She betook me a reesle ower the heid wi' a beesom.w.Sc. 1887 Jam.⁶:
“I'll jist betak ye to the bogle!” said by way of threat to a troublesome child.

2. To have recourse to. Obs. in St.Eng. (N.E.D.).Ags. 1900 M. Todd Burnside Lyrics 69:
An' Jean, wi' anger burstin' fu', Beta'en to greetin' owre the coo.

3. To recover (oneself), overtake, beset.Bnff. 1866 Gregor D.Bnff. 216:
He misca'ed a word, bit he betook himsel' at aince. [Also Bnff.² and Abd.⁹ 1934.]Abd.² 1934:
The shaltie aften snappers, but it aye betaks itsel.w.Sc. 1887 Jam.⁶:
If ye gang fast ye'll betak him within an hour.Ib.:
When a' the ills o' eild betak ye.