Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1866-1934
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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.w.Sc. 1887 Jam.6:
When a' the ills o' eild betak ye.
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"Betak v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 19 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/betake>
