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

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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Betak, v. Also: betack; p.t. betuk, betuke; p.p. betane, betain. [ME. betake(n, f. take v., in sense 1 perh. through influence of betæchen Beteche v.]

1. tr. To hand over, deliver, commit (to one). a1400 Leg. S. xxiv. 145.
Here to him I thé betak Ib. 305.
His fadyre … til a serwand gert hyme betak c1475 Wall. v. 462.
He him betuk on to the Haly Gaist Ib. viii. 1663.
The harrold … Be tuk till him the kingis wryt off France a1500 Lanc. 1724.
Syne til hyme gold and siluer thow betak 1625 Garden Kings 13.
To traittors, all his treasure he betaks [: macks]

2. To overtake, come upon, catch. c1550 Rolland C. Venus i. 658.
Him this [= thus] betuke ane suddane extasie Id. Seven S. 72/33.
Ȝe cum not in, … Quhill that the watche betak ȝow in the snair 1600-1610 Melvill 576.
The Lord Chancelleris awin house [was] … betain with the penalty pronunced by Iosua

b. To comprehend, understand. 1560 Rolland Seven S. 61/4.
My Lord, he said, haue ȝe betane this taill?

3. ? To take care of, protect. 1650 Misc. Maitl. C. I. 439.
They say to ane by-word, God betack vs to