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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.

Ta(k, v.¹ Also: tay, to, take, taik(e, taick, tayk, tack(e, talke, te(i)k, teake. P.t. tuk(e, tuc(k, tuik(e, tuick, tuyk, twk, twik(e, twilk, twyk, teuk, tok(e, tocke, toik, touk(e, touik, towk, towick, took(e, toock(e. P.p. tan(e, tain(e, tayn(e, taynne, taen, taan, thayn, ton(e, tein(e, tean(e, tyn, takin(e, -ing, -yn(e, -en(e, -ne, taknyne, tak, taikin, -en, taike, tackin, -yn, -en, -eine, -ne, takkin, -en, tayken, teakin, -en, tu(i)kin, tockin. [ME and e.m.E. tæcen (1154), taccenn, takenn (both Orm), take(n (a1272), tak, ta (both Cursor M.), taake(n (Wyclif), tan (c1400), taike (1538), tay (1570). P.t. toc(an (1154), toc, tok(enn (both Orm), takede (Layamon), tock (c1275), tok (1297), toke (Cursor M.), toek, took (both Piers Plowman), tooke (c1420). P.p. itaken (c1175), itake (1297), taken, tan (both c1320), ytakyn (c1330), tane (Rolle), take (1340-70), takin, tain, tene (all Cursor M.), tone (c1400), takne (1537), ta'ne (Shakespeare), taen (a1631), taine (c1645), late OE tacan, tóc, *tacen, ON taka, tók, tekinn to grasp, grip, seize.]

I. In senses chiefly conveying the idea of physical force on the part of the person acquiring something.

1. tr. To capture or seize (a person, place, goods, etc.) by force; to arrest (a wrongdoer).Also to tak in (one's) hand(is.Also const. fra (of) the person, etc. robbed.(1) pres. 1375 Barb. ii 207.
Hym that mycht other ta or sla Robert the Bruce 1375 Barb. iv 104.
And saw the men defend thaim swa That thai nane hop had thaim to ta 1375 Barb. ix 350.
The toun wes hwd to ta With opyn sawt 1375 Barb. xv 164.
Syne with his baneris hardely [The] myddis of the toune he tais c1420 Wynt. iii 523.
Swa hapnyde hym to ta the kyng And anyd for hys rawnssownyng c1420 Wynt. ix 1503.
Youre catale and youre gude thai ta ?a1450 Florimond 191.
Babilone I will thou tay(b) c1400 Troy-bk. ii 156 (C).
Vther wend that it had beyn The kynges sonnes, that came so The two legattes thar for to to [L. ad capcionem … legatorum](c) ?1438 Alex. i 1880.
Emynedus … debait can ma To tak the duke, or than to sla 1456 Hay I 133/11.
It hapnis oft that men takis landis be force c1490 Porteous Noblenes 177/29 (Asl.).
That takis & revis the gudis and substance of pure commonis 1492 Acta Conc. I 252/1.
To brek vp the said Johne Donaldsouns durris & to tak his gudis 1508 Treas. Acc. IV 123.
To ane man to pas to the Lard of Balgony with ane lettir to tak ane man callit Mure quhilk wes justifyit 1527 Douglas Corr. 119.
Gret rewardis to ony persone that will outher tak or sla the saidis malefactouris 15.. Christis Kirk 183 (M).
The millar was of manlie mak … Thair durst na ten cum him to tak 1584 Melvill 188.
Lyk athercape wobbes that taks the sillie flies(d) 1547 Cal. Sc. P. I 15.
He heard the Laird of Barre say openly, ‘Latte theyme taike the bishopis & preistis', for they had brought much sorrow in that realm 1571 Fam. Rose 258.
That ye will caus your seruandis … taik and apprehend the coutteris off the woddis 1571–2 Lanark B. Rec. 66.
[She] taikeing ane laif out of my creill and kaist douin the saming in the fouill myr(e) 1626 Banff Ann. I 55.
To tack and apprehend all ky, scheip and cair they happen to challenge and find in thair cornes 1662 Bentinck Dornoch 240 (see 2 below).
Tackep.t. 1375 Barb. xiv 122 (C).
Apertly the plas tuk he a1400 Leg. S. viii 94.
Vntrastefull folk … Fore gret invy tuk hym & band c1405 Slater Early Sc. Texts No. 59.
Yhour men … tuke & rawnsomide the capitain of the sayde castelle c1420 Wynt. ii 297.
The ile off Rodys than tuke thai And it inhabytyt fra that day c1420 Wynt. viii 4065.
All thare herytage than tuk he That to thai madynnys fell a1500 Henr. Fab. 1418.
The nobill lyoun … with his pow the maister mous he tuke c1475 Wall. i 163.
Thai tuk all at thair will, Nonnys, madyns, quham thai likit to spill c1475 Wall. iv 97.
Jowellis thai tuk, the best was chosyn thar c1515 Asl. MS I 226/25.
The lard of Jhonstonis twa sonis tuk the castall of Lochmabane 1516 Crawford Mun. Invent. I 55.
Thei tuk myself wythheld my places … and put myself in presone 1532 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 123.
James of Murray tuk and slew ane kow of Jame Turnbull 1549 Corr. M. Lorraine 315.
Twk 1549 Compl. 175/15.
Thai tuke viij thousand presoners(b) 1545 Corr. M. Lorraine 141.
Twa Bartanaris … had tayne ane pryis of Porttergayll and twa I[n]glis men folwyt thame and twyk the Portingayll 1567 Anderson Collect. Mary I 136.
He ambesett hir majesties way, tuike and ravishit hir maist nobill person 1574 Cal. Sc. P. IV 683.
Ane pirate Inglish ship … tuik me per force and hes spulȝeit … my haill guidis(c) 1569-73 Bann. Memor. 4.
The lairdis of Pherniherst and Balcleuche … raisit fyre in England, drew the pray, and touke men a1605 Birrel Diary 26.
The king's folks tooke 8 men of Bothuell's factione, and … hangit them c1653 Irvine Mun. II 254.
As for the greay neag … they cam … in my stebil they tocke him and when they went away … Mestres Broune gat the horse ageanp.p. 1375 Barb. i 527.
Thai mycht nocht haiff beyn tane throw mycht, Bot tresoun tuk thaim 1375 Barb. x 461 (C).
The layff … War tane or slane a1400 Leg. S. xxxiii 534.
He gert Athanas syne be tane, &, for he wald nocht Criste forsak, Gert strike his hed of ?1438 Alex. ii 1901.
This was the Bauderane sesit and tane 14.. Acts I 364/2.
Gif he be tane with viij penijs and a ferding he that takis hym sall hing him 1456 Hay I 155/15.
Efter that I had tane his gere and dongin him a1500 Henr. Fab. 1423.
Now am I tane ane wofull presonair a1500 Rois Garlandis 102.
For the dollour that thou had … quhen thou herd that thy sone wes tane, grant me that I be neuer tane with my enemes 1543 Corr. M. Lorraine 37.
My lord Lennox has certan gentilmen tan quhilk and your grace may haif tham for request 1549 Compl. 97/14.
The tentis, pailȝons, & spoulȝe of the Inglis armye vas tane & gaddrit vp be Scottis men(b) c1475 Wall. iv 505.
Quhen thai had tayne quhat he likit to haiff, Straik doun the ȝettis and set in fyr the laiff a1578 Pitsc. I 146/10.
Thair was appriehendit and tain … ane breigand quho … dualt … in ane place of Angus a1578 Pitsc. I 176/15.
The king was taine captiue 1621 Inverness Rec. II 157.
Thow being tain with red hand remains ȝit incarserit(c) c1475 Wall. ix 230.
Leyffand had beyn non Be fors off strenth mycht me as presoner ton 1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. 813.
That he at Troy suld loisit be or tone 1535 Stewart 23692.
He wald nocht be tone, Quhen all his feiris war slane(d) 1544 Corr. M. Lorraine 103.
Monsieur de Wauldry is tyn presoner and is in Berwyk 1606 Rec. Old Aberd. I 40.
Thow ar presentlie chalingsit and tein with twa stollin scheip 1631 Justiciary Cases I 194.
That persones sclanderit of tressoun sall be teane and remane in waird … whill thay thoile ane assyse(e) 1375 Barb. ii 468.
Off other that war takyn than Sum thai ransownyt sum thai slew 1385 Rot. Sc. II 73/2.
That all prisoners taken on both the sidis sall be frely deliverid c1405 Slater Early Sc. Texts No. 59.
Yhour men … hade takyne befor that tym certayne Scottis schippis 14.. Acts I 38/2.
Na man be takyn na attachyt wythin that ilke fayr bot gif he breke the pece of the fayr 1490 Acta Conc. I 148/2.
Quhilkis gudis wer spuilȝeit & takin … be the saidis personis 1510 Fam. Rose 181.
The thane of Caldor has takin his sone … and will nocht lat him till boroch 1531 Bell. Boece I 27.
Thay eschamit to be takin in battall 1587 Reg. Privy C. IV 214.
Takin with the bludy hand 1596 Dalr. I 215/1.
He commandes thir keiperis to be takne, in prisone to be sett, in haist to be heidet 1630-1651 Gordon Geneal. Hist. 197.
Godfred Gordoun wes ther takine prisoner 1639 Baillie I 196.
Carlaverock we did misken: it could not be taken without cannon(f) a1450 Fifteen Ois 33.
Thou wes betrasit, Taikin … & … condampnit a1651 Calderwood VI 1.
The church stripped naiked of her cheefe armour, so now, she might be altogether taikin and led captive(g) 1558-66 Knox II 357.
The Erle himself was tacken alyve(2) 1375 Barb. xiii 445.
The Scottis-men sone tuk in hand Off tharis all that euer thai fand 1375 Barb. xv 262.
The castell tuk he in his hand c1420 Wynt. v 3077.
Octaveus … tuk the lande All hale agayne in till his hand c1420 Wynt. viii 3729.
The lave, that ware nouchttane in hand, Fled a1500 K. Hart 233.
King Hairt he wes in handis tane 1535 Stewart 10524.
Vodicia in handis als wes tone(3) a1400 Leg. S. iii 174.
Thar is no ber so fell no thra, Quhen hyr quhelpis ar tan hir fra c1420 Bute MS 141a.
Ye … wrangwysly & agayn the law tuke and destroyit swamykyl & cetera takyn fra T of K 1441 Aberd. B. Rec. I 6.
The schippes, merchandes, and gudes … of new tane of Inglismen 1507 Prestwick B. Rec. 40.
Accusyt Allane Leppar that he wrangwisly & aganys the law wald haf tane ane odyr manis speid fra hym 1527 Carnwath Baron Ct. (SHS) 60.
Jhon Balte … twk nowlt fra him … thai ordand Jhon Balte to deliuer him his catell agane 15.. Clar. i 482.
Me, that am falslie from my husband taike Be the handis of thir knights fellounlie 1569-73 Bann. Memor. 123.
Pherniherst and his men … tuike a 23 hors fra the regentis men beand at the gerse 1589 Cal. Sc. P. X 238.
Edward Best, not willing to mack anie restitutione to the Scottish men spoliated, doeth alledg his bound not to be forfet because his sonne did tack them frome a pyrat 1666 Jurid. Rev. XXIV 16.
They askit if they tuik my sword frae me or offered to trouble me?

b. Of an agency: To cause the capture (of persons). 1375 Barb. i 528.
Tresoun tuk thaim

c. To tak (a person) at avantage, to take advantage of (a person). 1531 Bell. Boece II 132.
Quhat band … hes haldin thir Saxonis at peace with ony pepil … Thay ly ay in wait to tak thair nichtbouris at avantage

d. In imprecations: The devill, etc. me taik, so tak me. c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 168/47.
The maltman sais … the Devill of hell me taik … And of this kill I haif inlaik 1560 Rolland Seven S. 1192.
The foull ill tak hir 1633 Lithgow Poet. Remains 107.
Diuell take the lears 1694 Monteith Glencairn Parish 43.
At the curling … he did say, ‘The devill tak him if he get that shot’

e. absol. or intr. Also in fig. context. 1375 Barb. xii 306.
That nane of ȝow for gredynes Haff ey to tak of thar riches 1456 Hay II 153/20.
And gif he … counsailis thé to tak of thy tresour [etc.] … And gif he wald counsale thé to tak apon the pure peple [etc.] 1460 Hay Alex. 3279.
Than was nocht ellis bot owtheran tak or sla c1460 Wisd. Sol. (STS) 429 (see 4 below).
Tane c1460 Regim. Princ. 175.
Thus mon he tak of thaim that has maist gere 1535 Stewart 50241.
The Scottis men … Bayth tuke and slew … Quhill thai of slauchter and takinge war tyrit 1566-70 Buch. Comm. on Virgil Æn. vi 8.
Rapit, takes 1675 Kingarth Par. Rec. 103.
He … slanderd him calling … the devil gave yow land, the devil take from youfig. 1604-31 Craig ii 66.
Thus am I still twixt Loue and Fortune slaine, I neither take nor tarrie to be taine

2. To catch or find (a person) out in (with) a fault or doing something wrong. Also reflex. a1400 Leg. S. x 11.
& quha in hopyne syne is tane c1520-c1535 Nisbet I 9.
He … takis thame in thare awin deceatfull questionis c1520-c1535 Nisbet I 12.
A woman is taynne in adultrye a1570-86 Maitl. F. 170/46.
At … ane or twa Richt with thy leising sall thé ta And say thow leis 1588 Reg. Privy C. IV 302.
[Those that] sal happin to be takin wandering and misordouring thameselffisreflex. 1637 Rutherford Lett. (1862) I 251.
But this is my infirmity. By His grace I take myself in these ravings

3. transf. a. Of an emotion: To seize hold on, affect (a person) strongly. 1375 Barb. xvii 574.
Sic abasing Tuk thaim … Thai gaff the bak all ?1438 Alex. ii 3859.
Quhen swete vmbethinking suddanly Me takes [F. m'en vient] and partes my hart in tua

b. Of a disease, etc.: To afflict (a person). a1400 Leg. S. xviii 1143.
The feuire hyme tuk a1400 Leg. S. xx 4.
Il … That in the hals mony mene has tane 1533 Bell. Livy I 123/10.
Thir princis wer hait and tane be the wynis 1615 Fraserburgh Kirk S. 65 (8 Nov.).
She … was suddanlie taken with saknes 1691 Kingarth Par. Rec. 154.
The minister was under the afflicting hand of God, being taken with a grivous flux

4. tr. To catch (fish, game, etc.). Also absol. Also transf. b. To collect, furnish oneself with; steal (the products of nature). Also in fig. context. 1375 Barb. ii 579.
Gynnys to tak … Trowtis elys and … menovnys a1400 Leg. S. v 456.
A ȝounge man … a fule had tan, Quhilk we ane partryk cal c1420 Wynt. i 1622.
Goshawke he dawntyde … To tak bathe boytoure and herrownys 14.. Acts I 334/2.
At thai tak smoltis … again the inhibicioun of law c1460 Wisd. Sol. (STS) 428.
As fisch ar tan with hukis and foulis with lyme-wandis, sa is synaris tane be-for thare tyme 1513 Doug. xii xii 149.
The … hund … as the beste war tak, With hys wyd chaftis at hym makis a snak 1592 Aberd. B. Rec. II 75.
Ane lapster nett … quhairwith … partanis and paddillis … was takin ?1613 W. Alexander Doomes-day iii 591 (J).
Those which to talke men did all snares allow, All without baits, or nets, are taken now 1621 Bk. Dunvegan 63.
The teind fisches that sal happin to be slayne and takin ȝeirlie … within the seas and loches a1628 Carmichael Prov. No. 1652.
We hounds, … tuke the hair a1633 Hope Major Pract. II 288.
The slayeing of salmond in forbidden tyme to be punished … except such as ar taine in the river of Annand and Tweid 1662 Bentinck Dornoch 240.
Your lordship caussed your servantt tacke my fishers rudders for tackeing mussell one this syde off the ferrieabsol. 14.. Burgh Laws c. 107 (B).
The watyr aw … to be fre that na man tak thar fra Setyrday eftyr evynsang qwhil Mononday at the son rysetransf. c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 63/102.
I counsall every man, that he With lufe nocht in the feindis net be tone 1560 Rolland Seven S. 6441.
He was tane in the net Of lufis rageb. a1400 Leg. S. xii 173.
Rubene … fand hyme sa takand his froyte a1400 Leg. S. xxx 614.
He … na had possibilyte … to fede the barne … & seand na betir wane, The mylk of sowis has he tane 1555 Peebles B. Rec. I 218.
[The inquest] ordanis [him] to caus fill vp the holis … quhair he tuk the clay till his kill bigging a1568 Scott i 105, 106.
As beis takkis walx and honye of the floure, So dois the faythfull of Goddis word tak frute 1632 Stirling's Royal Lett. II 613.
That all our subjects hath libertie frielie to fisch and tak pearle

5. To grasp (a person, animal, etc.) be (by) some part, esp. the hand, also about the hals (nek). a1400 Leg. S. i 330.
He had tane Clement be the hande, And mad hym byschope a1400 Leg. S. xxxii 436.
The feynde … hyme a-bout the hals has tane ?1438 Alex. ii 4444.
Marciane him … tais By the brydill 14.. Quon. Attach. c. 40.
He sal tak him be the nese & leid him hame again a1500 Henr. Fab. 748.
He … tuke the kid be the hornis c1475 Wall. i 222.
Fast by the collar Wallace couth him ta a1500 Seven S. 2628.
The child … His master be the lap couth ta And said [etc.] a1500 Peblis to Play 21.
Scho tuik the tippet be the end 15.. Clar. iv 1741.
The king twike be the hand Meliades 1560 Rolland Seven S. 9884.
The empreour than tuik him about the nek, For verray lufe 1568 Anderson Collect. Mary IV ii 83.
Quho … tuike the Erle Bothweile be the hand and baid him depart 1619 Crim. TrialsIII 485.
Johnne Rogersoun … tuik hir be the spaldis and violentlie flang hir over tua kyis bakis c1650 Spalding I 169.
He desyrit him to agrie with the laird of Frendracht and tak him by the hand

b. To clasp (a person) in (til) armis (in his hand), chiefly by way of an embrace. a1400 Leg. S. xxv 349.
Thane has scho hyme in armis tane 1535 Stewart 39382.
Ather hes other intill armes tone, And maid freindschip 15.. Clar. i 1111.
The king in armis hes him taine aloft 1662 Crim. Trials III 606.
The Divill alwayis takis the maiden in his hand nix him

c. To grasp (a person) with one's hand. a1500 Bk. Chess 561.
In his richt hand a nakit swerd he baire With his left hand the ladye couth he tak

d. To clasp (a person's hand). a1500 Rauf C. 846.
Thairto I tuik thy hand, as thow was trew knicht

6. To strike (a person) (a blow) (on (upon) the body) (with a fist, weapon).(1) c1475 Wall. i 403.
Wallas with it fast on the cheik him tuk c1475 Wall. iii 175.
As he glaid by aukwart he couth him ta 1531 Bell. Boece (M) II 328.
He tuke this Coipland on the chaftis with his neiff 15.. Wyf Awcht. 61 (K).
To haue taine the sow vpon the snout 1570 Sat. P. xxii 60.
Or blind Hary with hir to sport and play, With fauldit neif, and tak hir mony gird 1571 Lanark B. Rec. 57.
Thairefter William Broun tuik him one cheik with his nef 1597 Misc. Spald. C. I 115.
Thow tuik his instrument owt of his moutht, than tuik him on the chaftis therwith 1627 Dumbarton B. Rec. 13.
Robert … tuik him on the mouth, quharupone he grantit he tuik him a cuff 1648 Peebles B. Rec. I 385.
[He] tuik him four or fyve tymes with the blunt end of the knyfe(2) a1598 Ferg. Prov. No. 609.
Mony masters quoth the poddock to the harrow when everie tind took her a knock 1600 Crim. Trials II 198.
Quhairat he tuik him ane kuff

7. With non-material object where some sense of violence or force is present in the action described. a. To take (revenge). b. To satisfy (one's lust). c. To act upon (permission which has been refused).a. 1375 Barb. i 571.
He … swour that he suld wengeance ta Off that Brwys a1400 Leg. S. x 466.
Sa wes he besy to tak wrak ?1438 Alex. ii 6707.
Outher sall his men him slay Or lat his fais ane vengance tay 1558-66 Knox II 316.
Bearing his sweard for vengeance to be tackyn on evill doarisb. a1500 Henr. Fab. 53.
Ane man be lyke ane beist … That schame can not him renȝe … Bot takis all the lust and appetyte a1500 Henr. (OUP) Test. Cress. 83.
To change in filth all thy feminitie … And go amang the Greikis … Sa giglotlike takand thy foull plesance c1590 J. Stewart 38/303.
This vitius vieillard now mycht tak Of hir his plesour c1600 Montg. Suppl. xxxiv 67.
Befor the fluid … Thy tuik thair lust, as thai wor wod, And suddenlie wer lost 1604-31 Craig ii 58.
He … (cruell man) … tooke his pleasure to espie their illc. 1686 Old Ross-shire II 20.
I am informed that Heugh Ross Farcharson asked woode leave of you or ye went south in order to his building … houses … you refused yet I hear he is tacking leave

II. In senses passing into the idea of acquiring by consent, force giving way to the sanction of law.

8. To seize or assume (authority, jurisdiction); to take charge. Also const. on the person assuming authority.(1) 1375 Barb. xx 147.
The gud erle off Murref … And the lord … off Dowglas … than the lordschip suld thai ta a1400 Leg. S. xxiv 394.
The gouernale … tane haf we Of haly kirk c1420 Wynt. viii 906.
Suppos the charge off this tak I 1456 Hay I 70/12.
Of sik men the jurisdiccioun is feynyt, and tane of fors a1500 Henr. Fab. 1162.
Schir Corbie Rauin … The charge hes tane, and on the letteris bure, Summonit the scheip c1515 Asl. MS I 258/2.
Efter the deid of this Kenneth, Constantyne … invadit the crovne and tuke it c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 210/3.
Sum takkis our littill awtoritie And sum our mekle 1533 Bell. Livy II 84/18.
The goddis haue tane the gouernance of oure public weill outwith the ciete, and has maid all thingis sickir a1578 Pitsc. I 9/24.
Than the king tuik his awin authoritie And reullit his realme as he thocht expedient 1637 Rutherford Lett. (1894) 272.
Happy is your soul if Christ man the house, and take the keys Himself, and command all 1675 Cunningham Diary 6.
He is to take the key of the girnell and pay us according to our count of inlaid meill(2) ?1438 Alex. ii 9906.
Hector on him the gouerning Tuke of the toun 1548 Corr. M. Lorraine 229.
[He] takis the haill mater on hym

b. To take it upon oneself to do (something) or that (something) should be done. 1518 Elphinstone Mun. 10/1.
Nor [I] schall not take vppoun me … to give any benefices [etc.] a1578 Pitsc. I 387/9.
We sall tak wpoun us and our conscience that we may saifflie haue thair landis [etc.] a1599 Rollock Wks. I 388.
Thou art over pert to tak on thee to judge of thingis that is spirituall a1599 Rollock Wks. I 389.
Men that wald tak on them to searche in to the deipnes of God 1679 Kirkcudbr. Sheriff Ct. Processes No. 281.
Whoe tooke upon him to presume in ane maner to keep court upon the said Samwell

c. To seize, grasp, acquire (an advantage, etc.). 1375 Barb. xv 379.
Tak we of this furd her-by Our awantage 1460 Hay Alex. 1366.
Thay … Thinkand for till oureryde the first battall And of the laif to tak baith will and wale 1527 Sc. Hist. Rev. XL 111.
[That they should] satisfy … the said schir David of all termes bypast contenit in the chekker rollis quhilkis the saidis bailies has tane allowance of 1653 Peebles B. Rec. II 14.
James Stevinsone … hes promeisit … to tak no benefit of the burges ticket receivit be him

d. To tak hold (of, on), to seize upon, take charge of. See also Hald n. 1. 1627 Aberd. Council Lett. I 273.
We … being loth to tak hold of thair neglect in the mater … and to exact that quhilk wald be dew unto us 1606 Forbes Rec. 535.
We find no prejudice be misreport hes taken sic hold on your Highnesse's heart

9. To ta(k possession (of a place), to acquire ownership or jurisdiction. See also Possessio(u)n(e n. 1 c (2). 1662 Lamont Diary 153.
They went and tooke possession of the manse and glibe 1668 Lauder Jrnl. 189.
This Erle of Dunferline … hes so morcaged his estate that my Lord Tueddalle … hes tane possession of Pinkie a1714 Cromartie Corr. II 508.
Reginald … toock possessione of the kingdom

10. To seize, take possession of, confiscate (goods, etc.) in some legitimate way, e.g., as eschete, for a heryȝelde, in wedd, etc. Also to tak redres (Redres n. 1 (2)).Also const. fra the original owner. 1389 Cart. Cambuskenneth 261.
The catell that the said abbot tuke of the said Robertis was lauchfully tane, as for his maill and his vnlawis forsaid, the quhilk excedit the price of the catell c1400 Troy-bk. i 57.
That ȝoure gudys all be tane As plane eschete c1420 Wynt. v 4626.
Till heretykys for till restore The kyrkys fra thame he tuk before 14.. Burgh Laws c. 26 (A).
Gif … it be ded … efterwart he sal tak ane new punde 1460 Aberd. B. Rec. MS V i 390 (23 April).
That na induellande … na without burgh tak wed ony gudis that Wat Cutlaris wife bryngis for ony pennyworthes other than dry syluer 1469 Aberd. B. Rec. I 405.
A gray hors … quhilk is tane in astrasiment of payment of a Hamburgh barel of salmond 1471–2 Acta Aud. 18/1.
The ox that thai tuke … for a heryȝelde 1497 Acta Conc. II 78.
The poynding … of the saidis landis outhir for male, … taking of sesing, oxin, petis casting … or ony uthir gudis takin … the saidis partiis did and usit sic thingis be tytil of richt that thai had to the saidis landis … tharefore the … lordis decernis al sic poynding … to be imput to thame na cryme 1530 Edinb. B. Rec. II 28.
That na maner of parsonis … tak ony claith in wedd fra vtheris 1569 Lanark B. Rec. 45.
Quha first speikis the first word of ill … the said soum … sall be tain of the partie falland and gevin to the keipar c1575 Balfour Pract. 62.
Gif ony tenent or mailler payis not his maill … it is leasum to his maister … to tak ane poind fra him thairfoir 1627 Rep. Parishes 39.
Taikin 1666 Rec. Old Aberd. I 107.
Being chairgit for having vnfamous wechtis and the bak therof being teine frome him 1683 Kirkcudbr. B. Rec. MS 25 Aug.
The magistrats … ordaines the key of the bell to be taking from John Crichtoune … his burges ticket to be torn and to remaine in prison

11. To collect (a payment, esp. a tax); to exact (a fine, price, etc.); to take (a profit). 14.. Acts I 334/2.
At thai [sc. customaris] tak les custom than thai aw to do in the dysherysing of the kyng and of the kynryk 1495 Reg. Paisley 404.
The custumys in the thown of Paslay wrangusly thayn 1506 Dunferm. B. Rec. I 353.
Rent yerlie to be taknyne 1529 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 104.
We ordand thair be nane sauld derer than xvi d. … and we ordand viii s. to be tane vpone thaim brekis thir abone vrytting 1549 Lamb Resonyng 25/26.
To recompance and to restore the iniust vnlawis, exactionis tane vnder the pretence of justice 1569 Canongate Ct. Bk. 14.
Ane annuelrent of threttie fyve markis … to be upliftit and tane at twa usuall termis in the yeir 1578 Conv. Burghs I 73.
Quhatsumeuer taxatioun salbe heirefter lemated and ordainit to be tane … the samyn to be stentit be Edinburgh 1597 Acts IV 133/2.
Exhorbitant proffeit and vsurie takin for the len of money 1673 Edinb. B. Rec. X 147.
The exhorbitant pryces takine be the wrights of this burgh for mortkists

12. To acquire (land, rights, etc.) by leasing; to rent (lodgings). Also to tak in few, sett, tak, etc. Also absol. or intr.[Also in mod. dial.] 1391 Floors Indenture 23 June in 14th Rep. Hist. MSS App. iii 13.
The forsaid Wauter has tan the forsaid Howisioun part of the landis of Cauerton for foure yere … for xxxij mark off syluer c1420 Wynt. iv 2640.
All the innys … wes tane 14.. Acts I 28/2.
Gif ony man has takyn a borowage in fre mariage wyth ony woman 1508 Reg. Privy S. I 253/1.
That nane of thaim by or tak in heretage, liferent or langtakkis ony … of the saidis landis 1510 Crim. Trials I i 65.
That na lugeing nor stabillis be sett or takin be ony personis of derrer price nai thai war sett and takin … obefor 1564 Reg. Privy C. I 304.
The said David to tak the samyn in few a1605 Montg. Misc. P. xlviii 264.
We tuke the ludging nerest to the shore 1636 Dunferm. Hammermen 65.
Malcolm Cousin has taen the box penny of the craft for xx shillings 1642 Aberd. Sheriff Ct. III 37.
Androw Smith … tuik in sett … the Milne of Auchline 1652 Edinb. B. Rec. VIII 283.
Johne Dick … did tak of the good toun the dewties of the halls and meilmercat for the yeir to come 1659 Irvine Mun. II 81.
[He] hes takin in tak … from the Airle of Eglintoune his mylne 1695 Caldwell P. 192.
I would be content to take it [sc. land] in lase 1699 Belhaven Rudiments 38.
How to take Land. That is to say how to make a good bargain with your land-lord for the lands ye are to pay rent forabsol. or intr. 1693 Rothesay B. Rec. 486.
That none presume to liȝour theron but those that takes from the fermorer

b. tr. To purchase (goods). Also to tak (goods) aff one's hand. 1473 Treas. Acc. I 14.
Tane fra Johnne of Fawsidis wife, iiij elne … of dun chamlot of silk 1488 Lanark B. Rec. 3.
The wrangwis haldin fra him of vij s. for flour tan fra him 1495 Acta Conc. I 400/2.
Money … aucht … for certane merchandis takin fra the said Alexander 1501–2 Treas. Acc. II 138.
For v pair of schone to hensmen and thre pair to Curry tane at sindry tymes 1503 Treas. Acc. II 273.
Payit for certane tymir tane fra the Erle of Bothuile 1512 Reg. Privy S. I 365/2.
Soumez of monye for the quhilkis he standis dettour … for merchandice takin be him 1557 Southesk MSS 18.
We pray ȝow … to becum cautionar to quhatsumeuir merchand … oure … cousing happynis to tak ony furnessing c1575 Balfour Pract. 584.
Challenge of provisouris … That thay mak not full and compleit payment of sic thingis as thay tak to the king's use … And … thay pay to quhom thay pleise 1627 Dumbarton B. Rec. 12.
To tak the half of the bargaine aff their hand

c. ? To take to one's use or into one's possession (something owed). 1577 Douglas Corr. 228.
The lard of Bun Jedwoorth said to me that yf I took the prencipall of my bilis the lord of Mowe wold nether tryst nor keape surance with me. So it seamethe to me that I have as great displeasure for tayken my prencypall goodes as yf I had tayken the dowbles and as yet the prencypall is not paid

13. To acquire in various senses, to grasp, take hold of, take into one's care or possession, take charge of (a thing, animal or person) for a purpose, const. to tak … and do (also to tak … to do).(1) 1375 Barb. v 411.
Tuk he salt … & ded hors and fordid the well ?1438 Alex. ii 9748.
Porrus hes tane Ferrand … And on him lap c1450-2 Howlat 885 (A).
Ilk foule … a fedder has tane And lent to the howlat 1463 Peebles B. Rec. I 150.
vj laffis to be tane and delt to pur fouk a1500 Henr. Fab. 1774.
I tuke my club and hamewart couth I carie 1488–91 Treas. Acc. I 166.
That ȝe tak the lordis of oure counsale and that ȝe here the thesauraris compt 1513 Doug. i vi 100.
The schippis that on cays war reddy thar Thai tuke, and chargit full of gold 1522 Mar & Kellie MSS 12.
Ane … clerk … sall nightlie … take the compts and write thame c1552 Lynd. Mon. 6332.
I tuke paper, and thare began to wryt 1553 Treas. Acc. X 190.
To charge the Maister of Maxwell to tak tua commoun thevis, and to put them to the knawlage of ane assis 15.. Clar. v 444.
To take his sister faire … and leid hir in the danse 1558-66 Knox I 44.
Thei commanded him to burne his bill … And so he tuck the bill, and chowing it, hee after spatt it in Mr. Andro Oliphantis face 1576 Crim. Trials I ii 52.
He tuke hir apperoun and led hir to the dure a1578 Pitsc. (1814) 192.
They tuick ane hair tadder and hanged him over the bridge of Lather 1578 Glenartney Doc.
Personis haveing … catale pasturand within our said forrest tak and remove thame 1602 Dundee Shipping P. 74.
He towk fowrtei dokatis in his porss and went to Awerro to begin … agene 1629 Black Orkn. & Shetl. Folklore 80.
To be taine be the lockman and conveyit to the place of execution … and worried at ane staik to the dead(2) a1500 Rauf C. 393.
Tak thy hors and thy harnes in the morning, For to watche weill the wayis I wald that thow went a1500 Seven S. 178.
Thai [sc. the seven sages] … Ilkane a day tuke to defend 1531 Bell. Boece I 194.
The moder, desiring to bring hir sonnis to concord, tuke freindis to intercommone

14. To lift and hold (a thing) (in(to) one's hand, etc. or vpon one's bak). Also in fig. context. Also intr. a1400 Leg. S. vi 201.
He … tuk a lange red in his hand … Thane thare-vith al the palace can merk a1500 Henr. Fab. 825.
The carioun vpon his bak he tais a1500 Lanc. 3397.
He … A gret trunsioune in to his hond hath ton, And in the thikest of the pres is gon 1513 Doug. ii ix 6.
Priamus … The auld grayth, al for nocht, to him tays c1520-c1535 Nisbet Matth. xxvii 32.
Thai constreynyeit him to tak his croce c1520-c1535 Nisbet III 308.
Als mekile of mele in a pot as a neef may tak c1550 Lynd. Meldrum 517.
Quhairon he lap, and tuik his speir 1567 G. Ball. 43.
Christ tuke the breid his hand within 1603 Philotus 151.
Put on ȝour heidgeir … Tak thair ȝour glasse sie all be clair 1629 Boyd Last B. (1629) 420.
Take now the cuppe of saluation, … and call vpon the name of the Lordfig. c1460 Regim. Princ. 71 (Maitl.).
Tak nocht all the birding on thy bak 1658 R. Moray Lett. 163.
May possibly make us take the bitt in our teeth … and run away with the harrowesintr. 1460 Hay Alex. 4768.
With that he tuke of piper in his neif

b. tr. In the context of a recipe or formula. a1500 Henr. Practysis 54.
This dia is rycht deir … Caus it is trest and trew: thairfoir that ȝe tak Sevin sobbis of ane selche [etc.] 1633 Reg. Privy C. 2 Ser. V 553.
And … tak thrie loofullis of the water

15. a. To take one's seat (place). b. To take up a position or point of view. c. To take priority. See also Place n. 12 (1). d. To tak occassione, to seize an opportunity. e. In various senses with ordour, see Order n. 20.a. 1513 Doug. i viii 21.
Sche … tuke hir sete Heich in a trone 1558-66 Knox II 403.
Thay wer commandit to tak thair places, and so thai did, sytting as counsalouris one aganis ane utherb. 1599 Aberd. Council Lett. I 80.
We wil be mediator and tak sic stand in that matter that na greitter inconvenience interveinc. 1599 Aberd. Council Lett. I 80.
Your towne can haiff na guid rycht for in that cais the commond lawis of the cuntrie wald ever haif tein placed. 1589 Riddell Tracts 117.
Jhone Menȝies tuik occassione, and struck him 1638 Rothes Affairs Kirk App. 200.
A nobleman beholding the numerous multitude which ranne after the coatch, tooke occasion … to break his silence

16. To take the appropriate steps in a legal action, etc.; to acquire the appropriate documentation, etc.; to put on record the relevant information; to institute a legal proceeding, etc.See also Athe n. 1 (= to cause (a person) to swear (an oath) (as part of a judicial process). Cf. 25 b below, to accept (a person's) word and 48 c below to swear (an oath)), also Cognitioun n. 2, Depositioun n., Dittay n. 2, 3 (2), Document n. 3 b, Informatioun n., Instrument n. 5 c (2), Law-borowis n. 1 b (1), Note n.² 10 (2), Remissio(u)n(e n. 5, Richt n. 3 (3), Summondis n. 2 d (2) for further examples. 1456 Hay I 178/35 (see Takar n. 5).
Tane 1518 Chart. Coupar A. II 118.
To tak cognitioune in the said caus 1531–2 Dunferm. Reg. Ct. 46.
Abraham Creichtone in the nayme of my said lord abbat and convent thair enteres heyrintill tuc act and instrument 1533 E. Loth. Antiq. Soc. V 21.
Edmond Haye tuike a instrumentum that the priores cartis suld nocht haif na passaig on his maill erd 1538 (c1580) Edinb. B. Rec. II 88.
For his lawbouris and diligence taikin and to be done anent the keping of the said merkatt 1540 Acts II 360/1.
That all … notis and actis be maid and tane in the handis of the scribe … of the court 1547 Liber Coll. Glasg. 138.
And heirapone instrumentis and documents to tak, lift and rais 1549 Lanark Sheriff Ct. 29b.
Johne Cleland tuk ane act that the breif … wes lauchtfulle proclamit 1602 Inverness Rec. II 6.
Quhairvpoun the persewar requerit and tuick act of court 1607 Murray Lyon Hist. Lodge Edinb. 27.
The said Andro … teuk instruments fra the notr. publik and subscryvit be the admitters … as fallowes 1622-6 Bisset I 216/15.
Gif twa witnese contened … in the wreit takin to be improvin affermes the samin to be trew 1632 Cullen B. Ct. 6 July.
They baith tuick aithe of court and instrumentis 1637 9th Rep. Hist. MSS App. ii 194/1.
Touik 1652 Misc. Spald. C. V 335.
Thomas Burnet … desyrit that the said baillie wold tack cognitioun and tryall … and that wpoun the probatioun led [etc.]

b. To tak cause (Caus(e n. 5), ? to pursue a case at law. 1683 Kirkcudbr. B. Rec. MS 24 July.
For securing of the persone of Rodger NcKnaucht … in regaird he and some other in his name had taking cause with the debt

c. To take a leet (Leit n.² 2), to draw up a list of candidates. 1692 Sc. Ant. XIII 73.
The present meeting … to take … a leet of ministers fit to be called to Edinburgh

d. To tak a copy or discriptioune, to make a copy or draw up a description. c1475 Wall. ix 1912.
In to Scotland with this harrold thai send … the discriptioune Off him tane thar be men … that him saw 1488 Lag Chart. 15.
Ye takand the authentik copie heirof under ane instrument for yowre warrand

e. To exact (an oath, etc.); to enter into an agreement.See also Athe n. 1, Faith n. 4 (3), Haith n., Homage n., Soverté n. 3 b (2) for further examples. a1500 Seven S. 687.
Quhen scho thairon his faith had tane 1570 Leslie 253.
The discharge of ligges or bandis to be taikin or gevin frome one subject to ane uther 1597 Paisley B. Rec. 191.
[They] wer decernt be aithe of partie tane to pey [etc.]

17. In collocations with witnes. a. With reference to God, a person, etc. as witness of an event, etc. b. To tak (a) witnes of (something), to take note, take into account.a. c1400 Troy-bk. i 104.
At our goddes … We tak wytnesse of suthfastnes That [etc.] a1500 Seven S. 1240.
I sall do ȝour will Bot God I tak witnes me till That I had lever … de a1500 K. Hart 573.
Off thy vane werk first witnes thow me ta 1503–4 Aberd. Sheriff Ct. I 63.
Williame Malvin [etc.] … deponit be thar aiths that thai … for witnes was tane 1504–5 Aberd. Sheriff Ct. I 64.
[They] deponit the gret aitht that thai bystud, harde say quhar witnes was tane quhene [etc.] 1514 Facs. Nat. MSS III xi.
The said Thomas … producit lauchfull witnes of … selling of … the said Nicolis fadir heretage … that he [sc. Nicol] was peresaund of hungir … and tuk wittnes that sen the said Alexander had refusit the bying [etc.] 1533 Boece 128b.
I tak witnes of the goddis eterne that [etc.] 1567 Anderson Collect. Mary II 280.
I tuik heaven and eirth to witnes that [etc.] 1568 Anderson Collect. Mary IV i 117.
Quhome, I take God to witnes, I have luiffit [etc.] 1640 Lithgow Poet. Remains 209.
And why? His will, did this poore woman take, To witnesse that he roseb. a1500 Henr. Fab. 596.
Thy stule standis vnstabill. Tak witnes of the feyndis infernall Quhilk houndit doun wes fra that heuinlie hall 1531 Vaus (1566).
I tak a vitnes of ȝow all that will nocht ken me

III. In senses involving the idea of choice or selection.

18. To make (a choice), to choose (between two or more possibilities). a1400 Leg. S. xxix 388.
Hyme worth do ane of tha, Othyr for to tyne the lyf Or depart thare fra his wyf. Bot I treu deme cuth nane Quhilk of thai suld erare be tane 1400 Maxwell Mem. I 138.
Gyf the sayd Schyr Jon … had lefar chese the fyfty mark na the aventur of the land, the said chose tane [etc.] c1420 Ratis R. 999.
Tak erare gud pay and les vynnyng Than hecht of mare [etc.] a1568 Bann. MS 45a/107.
Aganis yre also tak meiknes 1568 Anderson Collect. Mary IV ii 71.
To the end that ye may tak the best of all [etc.] a1599 Rollock Wks. I 409.
Tak ȝour chose quhidder [etc.] a1598 Ferg. Prov. MS No. 1096.
Nevie nevie nak quhilk hand wil yow tak?

19. To choose or accept as one's (lover, wife, etc.). a1400 Leg. S. xli 45.
I sal tak one na manere Bot hyme any [vthir] lufere ?1438 Alex. ii 3605.
Idorus hes left allane Hir lemman, and tuke vther tua ?1438 Alex. ii 11054.
Ta the best and of maist bounte That may be leuand of his eild a1500 Henr. Bludy Serk 90.
Sa weill the lady luvit the knycht, That no man wald scho tak a1500 Seven S. 124.
Thai said … tak a wyf And trast in God a1500 Seven S. 1499.
Or thow tak the prest … Ȝit do my counsall c1500-c1512 Dunb. Tua Mar. W. 317.
Mercy in to womanheid is a mekle vertu … I held ay grene in to his mynd that I of grace tuk him a1585 Maitl. Q. 255/54.
He tuik thé onlye for thy gear 1664 Lamont Diary 169.
After the brithall clothes were meade, she refused to take him

b. To ta(k in(to) mariage, etc., to wife, etc. a1400 Leg. S. xliii 17.
A ȝungmane That in maryag vald hire haf tan 14… Edinb. Univ. MS La.ii.318.
The angel to Toby spak That he suld hir to wife tak c1400 Troy-bk. ii 2101.
This Egra … To husband tuke Diomedes c1420 Wynt. ix 1341.
Schir Anton … Cleopatra … till his leman tuk c1409-1436 Kingis Q. § 193.
In lufis ȝok … Sche hath me tak hir humble creature c1475 Wall. v 621.
Sen ye sa luff, tak hir in mariage 1549 Corr. M. Lorraine 297.
The quenis grace … promest … to tak the said erle in mariage 1567 Sat. P. vii 63.
He, quha the king did sack, But law the Quene dar into mariage tak

c. To tak (someone) to be (one's wife, etc.). 1560 Rolland Seven S. 526.
We wald ȝe tuke sum honest gay ladie Ȝour nobill quene … to be

20. To select (a person) as a guide, mediator, etc. ?1438 Alex. i 45.
Schir Sampsoun tuik thay to thair gy, For he that land knew halely 1515 Fife Sheriff Ct. 12.
Johne Skrimgeour … referrit the haile clame … to Patrik lord Lyndesay … and collegis quhame he plesit to tak to hyme submittand hyme to his jurisdictioune tharintill … with his collegis foirsaid 1520 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 56.
To caus ony parteis beand at dissentioun tak four … nychburis … that sall pas and mak ane mendis 1520 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 56.
Jhone Cowpar hes tane Jhone Jhonson and Dik Chepman for bath his caus, James Bradfut hes tane Roben Ker [etc.] a1568 Sempill in Sat. P. xlvii 80.
I wald we tuke, To keip oure dyet, Maister Dauid Makgill

b. To choose as an opponent. a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 798.
Tak nocht yone keyne knight to countir

c. To choose, accept or treat (someone) as of a particular status or relationship, where the relationship is in apposition. 1664 Rothesay B. Rec. 93.
Scho refuist to tak his mother in lawe debtour for any thairof 1671 Kirkcudbr. B. Rec. MS 28 Sept.
William Lennox and Thomas Robson ar taken sworne councellors till the nixt electioune

21. To select or acquire for one's own use (an armorial emblem or name). 1456 Hay I 277/20, 21.
Gif a man may tak ane otheris armes at his lyking. As thus: a man has tane to bere in his armes a low of gules in a champ of silver [etc.] 1456 Hay I 277/28.
Ony man may tak leffully … ane othir mannis name and call his barne 1456 Hay I 278/4, etc.
This noble man has first tane sik a beste … to bere in his schelde, and on his cote of armes 1531 Bell. Boece (M) I 357.
He tuke the crovnit dragoun for his armys 1570 Leslie 269.
The king of France … considering … that the quenis majestie of Scotlande … was just heritour … and caused hir … tak the armes of Inglande, and jone with the armes of Scotland and France a1586 Lindsay MS 48a.
It is not lefull to na man to tak ane vtheris armes without difference

b. To select (a thing) for a particular use. 1597 Lowe Chirurgerie (1612) viii v 367.
Couer it with a linnen cloth, or for persons of higher dignitie take layne … or camerige

c. To choose (a date or occasion) for a particular purpose. 1505 Dunferm. B. Rec. in Dunferm. Reg. Ct. 210.
Ane day in the wolk … for all the dayis of his lif … to be takin and to say mes for him and his wyf 1512 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 17.
Will Alesone as tane Wodinisday cum xv dais to bring his warand 1560 Rolland Seven S. 490.
Ilk ane thay tuke ane diuers dait 1651 Rec. Kirk Scotl. 644.
He toke the morrow at 3 in the afternoone to his furder conference with them

d. To select or consider (something) as an example. 1581-1623 James VI Poems I 83/9.
There are sindrie kyndes of haill verse … quhilk I haue heir omittit, and tane bot onelie thir few kyndes abone specifeit as the best 1653 Binning Wks. 619.
Take the best of them, whose employment seems most abstracted from the common affairs … yet their affections run no higher than this present world

e. To take one's mark. See also Mark n.¹ 2. a1689 Cleland 8.
Scots-men endeavours, To take thair marks from evil hours

IV. In senses involving the idea of receiving or accepting something given.

22. To receive (a blow, harsh words, etc.). 1375 Barb. vi 290.
The king … Wes fechtand on the furd syd Giffand and takand rowtis c1475 Wall. ii 109.
A large straik tuk [he] thar Abown the kne c1400 Troy-bk. ii 1783 (see Pain n. 1 (1)).
Tak ?a1500 Remembr. Passion 85.
O Lord Jesu Crist, that tholit to tak ane blaw fra the seruand of Annas ?a1500 Remembr. Passion 480.
O Lord … Grant me … to tak in pacience ewill langage spokin of me 1540 Lynd. Sat. 1566 (B).
Vpoun thy clof tak thair a clowt 1560 Rolland Seven S. 497.
He thocht he wald not tak the feid Of all, and pleis bot ane

23. To receive (a payment, wage); to accept (a bribe, compensation). Also transf. and proverb.See also Amendis n. 1. c1400 Troy-bk. ii 339 (C).
Tak this gret sowme of gold thé till And gyf me … The palladinar ?14.. Ship Laws c. 14 (H2).
And gif the tothir profferis him amendis … and he will tak nane of him 1479–80 (c1580) Edinb. B. Rec. I 38.
And ane bailye with twa of the counsall … deill it [sc. merchandice] evinly to the nychtbouris takand ane penny of the laid for thair lawbouris 1482–3 Acta Conc. II cv.
It is … allegit be the said Margret that scho is na are to hir and tuke never na maner of gudis of arscheip of the said Alisone 1482–3 Acta Conc. II cxxv.
He had profferit the uther iiij^xx and ten of pundis … to the said Issabell and scho refusit to take it ?c1500 Rathen Manual 27/2.
We cursis … all thai that helpis the Sarrazenis … or takkis tribut of thame c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 133/5.
Left is nether corce nor cunȝie Off all that I tuik in the ȝeir 1569-73 Bann. Memor. 122.
The drwme past throw the toun, for all workmen … that wold take wages 1572 Sat. P. xxxv 32.
Quho tuik King Hareis money 1602 Shetland Sheriff Ct. (ed.) 3.
Thairfoir is decernit to pay for the sclander viii merkis to the king and to tak the mendis in thair awin handistransf. 1581 Sat. P. xliv 283.
Nou for ȝour vage … I mak ȝou assignation To tak the curse and vengeance … Of infenit peopleproverb. a1598 Ferg. Prov. No. 292.
Good will should be tane in part of paiment

b. To receive or accept (something given or handed over, a gift, delivery, receipt, etc.). a1400 Leg. S. xliii 493.
I … Bot gifis filth & takis gold fyne, & giffis a lacht place of duelling, & takis a place of bewte … & giffis bot a lytil wra A vyd merkat thare-for I ta c1400 Troy-bk. ii 842 (C).
Kyng Pryame, whome-of thow Toke so gret gyftes of waleue 1456 Hay II 153/25.
Quharfore tak sik thing as I have as ȝour awin, for I have ynouch 1475 Prestwick B. Rec. 25.
Jok of Gauston … tuk the heltir of a suerd, arestit to the said curt witht Jok Cristole as the first warand to the chalans of Johne Blak a1500 Seven S. 237.
I haf kepit my madinhed Quhill now thairfor ȝe tak it heire With all my hart at ȝour pleseire 1525–6 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 79.
The balyeis to excers ony fre or unfre takand and resetand ony kynd of stuff cumand to the merkat 1537 Prot. Bk. Thomas Johnsoun 28.
Ye sall deliver … aucht hundrecht merkis … to Sir James Hammyltoun … takand his acquittance thairupone a1540 Freiris Berw. 251 (M).
Sche … leit him in and … tuik fra him the geir c1575 Balfour Pract. 636.
We have forbiddin … all merchandis … to buy, barter, change, cheise, or tak be gift … the merchandise 1681 Irvine Mun. II 294.
Pay to John Tasker … nine pound Scotts … and tack his recatt

c. To accept, gain (a (means of) livelihood). 1444 Reliq. Antiq. Sc. 34.
Gif it likis to the said Wilȝam or Jonet … to cum and tak sic liffing in our hospitall as our brether dois

d. To accept, believe in (a promise). a1599 Rollock Wks. I 412.
Gif he had never been ane runner, he wald never have tane this promise to himself, ‘ane croun is laid up for mee’

24. To inherit (a characteristic, etc.) (of an ancestor, etc.). a1400 Leg. S. Prol. 65.
Criste rase in to that flesch, That He had tane of oure lady 1490 Irland Mir. III 25/2.
All the corrupcioun that the saule had … it tuk of the corrupit natur that discendit of Adam 1490 Irland Mir. II 15/1.
Our writ we tak of thame [sc. the Jews] c1515 Asl. MS I 194/24.
The Romanis now callit Ynglis men and thar land is callit Anglia … and now the Romanis has tane thair name & falsnes togidder and euery man wnderstud genologi of Ynglismen c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 198/12.
Ȝe tak that nigirtnes of ȝour muder a1568 Scott xxxiv 135.
All dissait thay tak it Of ȝour awin flesch & blude

25. To seek, receive, accept (advice, help, etc.) (of(f, at a person or a person's hand). Also absol. and intr. a1400 Leg. S. v 450.
He … fel done to Sancte Johnnys fete … In hope that he suld pardone ta ?1438 Alex. i 3176.
At Betys counsall tuik he nane c1420 Wynt. vi 2206 (see Counsail n. 1 (b)).
Tuk c1420 Wynt. viii 760.
The nerrest male … Suld be nerrest to the Crown … The custome approwyd is gud to ta 1456 Hay I 124/1.
Gif it hapnyt that him behovit tak help of his legis, he sulde kepe him wele that he tuke that help sa curtaisly that [etc.] c1520-c1535 Nisbet Matth. ii 12.
And quhen thai had tane ane ansuer in slepe 1533 Bell. Livy II 11/27 (see Consultatioun n.).
Tuke c1552 Lynd. Mon. 4363.
We mon … tak thare absolutioun, Or ellis we gett no remyssioun 1556–7 Peebles B. Rec. I 236.
And assignis the nixt court day … to the said Johne to tak consultatioun quhat suld be defalcat thairof a1568 Scott iv 15.
I nowdir fleische nor flyte To tell the trewith certane: Taik ȝe this in despyte, I sall not said agane 1627 Conv. Burghs III 256.
To tak … advyse of the best lawers a1658 Durham Clavis Cantici 472.
Faithful ministers … will never think they get their due, if the gospel be not taken well off their hand 1662 Sel. Biog. I 204.
Will any nobleman or master take that well off his hand? 1676 Welsh Gospel Summonds 16.
I offer you healing in His name, will ye not take it off His handabsol. c1520-c1535 Nisbet Matth. xix 12.
Nocht al men takis this worde bot to quhilk it is gevin … He that may tak, tak heintr. 1440 Aberd. B. Rec. MS IV 201.
Apon the quhilkis the said … constable … tuke to be avisit apon his perofferis

b. tr. To take (a person's) word. Also const. off one's hand.Also in the phrase they wer Aberdens men, they wald tak thair word agane, appar. applied to those whose word was not to be relied on. 1606 Aberd. B. Rec. in J. Gordon Hist. III 202 n.
Publict sklandering of this burght [sc. Leith] … in calling thame dyouris, fals theiffis, they wer Aberdens men, they wald tak thair word agane 1680 Wodrow Hist. III (1829) 197.
I haue declared upon the word of a gentleman, which I hope may be taken off my hand as sufficient

c. intr. or absol. In collocation with gif: To accept or receive love, etc. ?1438 Alex. ii 387.
Ane man suld that war in pouste Make him luiffit in his countre. Thocht he thame gif, he takis tuinfald c1420 Ratis R. 628.
Luf as thou wald louit be, And gif as thow wald tak to thé

d. tr. To ta(k (this, one's, ane) opinioun (consait), to accept, conceive of (a point of view); to tak (litle) thocht of (on), to give (little) consideration to.See also Consait n. 2 and Opinioun(e n. 1 (2). a1500 Lanc. 172.
My gost haith takin this opvnioune 1549 Compl. 6/31.
I … hes tane ane temerare consait to present to ȝour nobil grace ane tracteit c1550 Rolland Ct. Venus i 837.
Our knicht tuik our opinioun 1560 Rolland Seven S. 7382.
Than said the quene … I thank ȝour grace that sic thocht takis on me a1570-86 Maitland in Maitl. F. 47/32.
All wickit cwmpanie … Repent the wrang that thai haue wrocht For pwneising thai sall tak thocht a1570-86 Maitland in Maitl. F. 299/74.
Off ȝou be tane ane ill consait 1584 Cal. Sc. P. VII 250.
He being dispatchit thay tuke litle thocht of the lais 1618 Lithgow Poet. Remains 25.
I, camele-like, beare all vpon my backe, And liue content, and there's the thought I take

e. To tak exemple. See also Ensample n. 1 b and Example n. 2 a. a1628 Carmichael Prov. No. 1424.
Tak exemple be thy neighbour and not be thy self

26. To accept (an outcome, fate, fortune, what is deserved), esp. to tak the ded, to accept or receive death as a (possible) outcome; to die; to trust to luck. b. To tak (a person's) service, see Servic(e n. 3. 1375 Barb. ii 161.
He boune wes … To tak with him the gud and ill 1375 Barb. iii 228.
That thai had leuer ta The dede na lat the toun be tane a1400 Leg. S. ii 241.
Tak thi med That thu has servit fore ill dede! ?1438 Alex. i 228.
Our euenture heir ta mon we! ?1438 Alex. ii 6670.
With ȝow I mon tak destany c1460 Thewis Wysmen 206.
Wysmen … tak in thank at God wyl send c1475 Wall. xi 837.
Throuch cowatice, gud Ector tuk the ded c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 75/87.
Thairfoir tak in patience Ȝour pennance and ȝour abstinence 1513 Doug. x vii 145.
Grant, thou god … Gude chance and forton … The quhilk I tays apone this castyng speir 1521 Acts XII 40/1.
We ar resolute that … we will … tak oure aventure of pece or were as [sall pleys] God to send

c. To accept (something involving) an obligation on the part of the recipient. 1563-1570 Buch. Wr. 47.
He having na refuge in the quene for the samyn cause tuke … the Erll of Mortonis colouris 1678 Wodrow Hist. II (1829) 411.
To rive the burgess … tickets of all such as refuse to take the bond for relief of the magistrates

27. To ta(k (something) in mind, hert, etc., to (one's) hart, conscience, consideration, etc., to consider or think about (it). c1460 Thewis Wysmen 429.
Thai wyll nocht tak in hart & see How God pwnysis iniquitee a1500 Henr. Fab. 177.
Scho tuke in mynd hir sister vpon land 1560 Rolland Seven S. 496.
The empreour tuke weill in heid. He thocht [etc.] 1587 Edinb. Test. XVIII 111.
My wyfe … culd gett na compt of hir of ane pece of gold … scho furneist hir lat hir tak it to hir conscience 1627 Strathendrick 103.
The matter being tane to hart be the synodall assemblie 1631 Justiciary Cases I 177.
The saidis loirdis having read and considderit the same depositiones and having tane to thair consideratione whilk is the most proper judgement for trying … materis of this kynde 1640 Inverness Rec. II 176.
The counsell … haiffing tackin to thair consideratione that this Mononday is the ordinar counsell day 1671 Inverness Rec. II 249.
The magistrats … tackeing to considderatioun the conditioune of the present magistrats [etc.]

b. To ta(k (something) in hert, to feel, experience or be affected by (it). 1375 Barb. xii 209.
In hart gret glaidschip can he ta c1400 Troy-bk. ii 1878.
Grekes gan tak In-to thare hartis suspicioun c1460 Consail Vys Man 237.
Tak nocht in hart aduersytee c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 185/32.
Had I … In hairt tane ony havines … I had bene deid lang syne

c. To ta(k in mind, hert, etc. to do, that, to tak for conclusion to do (something), to resolve to do, etc. 1375 Barb. i 324.
He … in hart has tane That he wald trawaile our the se a1500 Henr. Fab. 1720.
Grit myrth I tuke in mynd, Off lauboraris to se the besines a1500 Colk. Sow ii 176.
Thay … tuk for ferme conclusion To kill the samyn 1540 Lynd. Sat. 4308 (B).
I wald the provest wald tak in heid, Of ȝone middingis to mak remeid

d. To tak (something) to denyall, to deny (it). 1654 Dumfries Kirk S. 26 Oct.
Altho he did judicially confesse the samyne befoire the sessioun yet he now taks it to denyall

28. To ta(k (a person, etc.) to one or in (one's) favour, friendship, service, etc.; to receive or accept (a person, etc.) in this way; to take care of (a person, etc.).Also const. to do (something), fra (a previous carer) and without construction.Also to tak to one's pese, see Pes(e n.¹ 6.(1) a1400 Leg. S. xvi 346.
The Magdelayne & hire company Thai tuk in hovse and herbry & thame … can clethe & fede c1420 Wynt. ix 2916.
The Duke of Burgon … Tuk hym in speciale acquintance 1482 Acts XII 32/1.
Oure said souerane lord sal tak in his grace & favouris al lordis & persons that has assistit to his said brodir a1500 Seven S. 838.
The tother … Was tane in seruice to the king a1500 Quare Jel. 73.
Gif I say false, Pluto … Mote me into his fyry cart do ta 1496–7 Acta Conc. II 65.
The sade Robert sal tak the sade Thomas in kyndnes and frendschip c1500 Makc. MS x 18.
Thow tak ws, lord, in Thi keping 1513–14 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 26.
We tuk to ws Jhone Bryden and his sone the quhilkis helpit us to scher xxxvii thraff of ber 1573 Reg. Privy C. II 259.
Thair cattell and gudis wer ressett and tane in keping amangis certane thair prevy freindis 16.. Hist. Kennedy 14.
The Laird of Bargany tuik the said Johne Kennedy … in houshald with him 1622 Mar & Kellie MSS Suppl. 135.
The Steats hes takkin Mansfeild in their paye … and mynds to imploye him 1661 Soc. Ant. XXII 247.
That the divill said ‘What sall I doe with such a little bairn’ … And that the said Isabell answered ‘Shoe is my maiden take hir to you’(2) a1400 Leg. S. v 414.
The ȝounge man … That as depose thou tuk fra me a1400 Leg. S. xxxvi 827.
Sanctulus A dekine in exile tuk Fra Lumbardis … & there Lumbardis … come … & hyme askit ful angrely The dekine that to kepe tuk he(3) a1400 Leg. S. xxx 608.
He … tuk the childe & sare gret For nothir cuth he nuryse be Na [etc.] 1637 Rutherford Lett. (1894) 169.
My Lord, who taketh me, light, and clipped, and naughty, and feckless as I am(4) a1500 Seven S. 26.
The empriour … at him couth speire Gif he wald tak his sone to leire

b. To ta (one's) spyritis (till one), to recover one's courage, etc. 1375 Barb. vi 224.
He … sumdele affrayit was Bot in schort time he till him tais His spyritis full hardely a1500 K. Hart 370.
Grene Love vpstart and can his spreitis ta

c. To tak (frailtie) to (one), to embrace or accept (an attitude). Cf. sense IV 28 b above. a1599 Rollock Wks. I 409.
Let everie man … tak … to him frailtie … for he that wil be strong in him self can not be strong in God

d. To tak (a matter) to (one), to take (it) into one's jurisdiction. 1495 Acta Conc. I 419/1.
That the said personis jugis tuk the said materis to thaim & wer sworne therto to haff deliuerit therintill

e. To ta(k (a person) under one's respyt, see Respit n. 3 (2).

29. a. To tak het, to become warm. a1400 Leg. S. xxv 434.
Fore na fyr he mycht mak, The child na kyndly het cuth tak a1500 Henr. Fab. 2093.
Thy handis sall neuer in thay mittinnis tak heit

b. To absorb (colour). 1584-9 Maxwall Commonpl. Bk. Prov. No. 110.
Thair is no wooll so cours bot it will tak sum cullowr

30. To cost (a sum of money), use up (resources). 1473 Reg. Cupar A. I 178.
iiij dusane of fed gysce, takand for the fedyng of tham xxiiij s. 1539 Treas. Acc. VII 199.
For … twa loverais … ilk loveray takand vj li. x s. a1561 Norvell Meroure 9a.
Thy trew Churche melitant, That hathe not vainlie, taine thy talentes sweit. But haue broght forthe, the frutes of the spreit a1578 Pitsc. I 251/7.
This scheip was of so greit statur and tuik so mekill timber that [etc.] 1697 Dundee B. Laws 561.
Curells by weight, which will taick ten ell or therby to each pund

b. To use up, spend (time, leisure, etc.). 1535 Stewart 20152.
And in that tyme no tarie for to tak 1600 Crim. Trials II 211.
[He] coulde not take leasure, at that time, to enquire any further of him 1600-1610 Melvill 268.
To tak tyme and panse upon the mater a1605 Montg. Misc. P. i 1.
Tak tyme in tym, or tym will not be tane; Thairfor tak tent hou thou this tyme suld tak

c. To spend an occasion (with someone). 1666-74 Fraser Polichron. 500.
Condescended to take his Christmas with him

31. In grammar: To tak (on) (a form), to occur in (a particular form). 16.. Rudiments 14a.
These that end in, us, and rus, tak the actiue onlie, and these that end in dus, tak on them, the passiue onlie

32. intr. To find company, etc. agreeable or suitable; to become a part of such society. c1460 Thewis Gud Women 197.
The cumpany quhar thai tak, Sal neuer chap with-out a lak 1633 Annandale Corr. 32.
The marquis is very frendly and constant where he takes

b. Of an idea, venture, etc.: To take root, find acceptance (in a person); to succeed. c1520-c1535 Nisbet John viii 37.
Bot ye seek to sla me, for my word takis nocht in you 1648 Buccleuch MSS I 309.
My son Paston is in town, about a match for his son; how it will take I know not

c. Of alcoholic drink. To have an affect upon one. 1630 Fraserburgh Kirk S. II 28 July.
That he hade not gottin meikle drunk, bot efter fasting the drink tuik wpon him

V. In senses involving ideas of comprehending, experiencing, consuming, etc. including the aspects both of acquiring and of receiving.

33. tr. To acquire or receive (knowledge). 1456 Hay I 77/2.
The hevynnis … sendis thair … influencis in the materis that thir erdly thingis ar compound of … And thus may ȝe tak manifest knawlage of the hevynly governaunce anent all erdly creaturis a1500 Henr. Robene & M. 18.
At luvis lair gife thow will leir Tak thair ane A B C: Be heynd, courtas [etc.]

b. To gain, to be awarded (a degree). 1633 Acts V 21/2.
The inferiour clergie … after they haue taiken the degree off doctours or bachelours in divinitie

34. To consume (food, drink, etc.); to receive the sacrament. Also reflex. Also to inhale … (at the air).See also Sneising vbl. n. 2.(1) 1375 Barb. iii 541.
Sals thar-till … that oft men takys c1460 Vert. Mess 26.
Quhat-euir met or drink a persone tak eftir mes 1490 Treas. Acc. I 132.
On Payce da … the king tuk his sacrement in the chapell in Lythgow a1500 Seven S. 1200.
Him behufit dyet to tak … To mak him hele 1573 Inv. Q. Mary xxii, xxiii note 3.
Some supponyng he tok a drink [and died as the auld Romanes wer wont to do] a1586 Lindsay MS 30a.
He tuk his nourritour and boisson that wes convenient to him 1603 Philotus 154.
Than tak to stanche the morning drouth Ane cup of mauesie 1646 Arniston Mem. 18.
[He asked him to go in and] tak an drinkreflex. a1585 Polwart Flyt. 233 (T).
Thy invart pairtis to purge … Tak the thre byttis of ane ill hour And rubarb(2) 1603 Philotus 157.
Thrie garden gowps tak of the air

b. To tak the air (dewe), to experience some aspect of the natural environment. 1375 Barb. vi 305 (C).
The kyng … of his basnet than had tane To tak the air, for he wes hate ?1438 Alex. ii 30.
The king he rais and furth he gais … the air he tais a1500 Henr. Orph. 95.
With a madin, in a medowe grene, To tak the dewe and se the flouris spring c1530-40 Stewart in Bann. MS 265a/2.
Furth ouer the mold at morrow as I ment … to tak the helsum air 1666-74 Fraser Polichron. 377.
They chanct to meet him … takeing the aire near the Hague

35. To receive, accept, assume, put on ((a style of) dress, insignia, etc.).Cf. Leg. S. vi 186, Bk. Chess 1998 and Abell 14b in 36 below, where the taking of garments, etc. has a further symbolic status. The Hay and Wall. I 121 quots. below may belong there.(1) 1375 Barb. xviii 94.
Schir Eduuard that day wald nocht ta His cot-armour, bot Gib Harper … had on … All hale schyr Edwardis aray a1400 Leg. S. i 162.
At all clerkis sic crownis [sc. tonsures] suld ta a1400 Leg. S. iii 913.
Of kingis kyne ȝet am I, Thocht I this symple wed has tane 1456 Hay I 289/24.
The pape gevis him [sc. the Holy Roman Emperor] the croune in the citee of Rome … efter that he have tane that coroune [etc.] c1475 Wall. i 121.
The croune he tuk apon that sammyne stane At [etc.] 1513 Doug. ii ix 20.
How Priamus has tane His armour, so as thocht he had beyn ȝyng(2) c1475 Wall. iv 765.
Hir gown he tuk on hym c1475 Wall. vi 367.
A cot off armes he tuk on him … With the harroldis full prewaly he raid

36. To accept or receive, freq. by way of an action or ceremony (a way of life, set of beliefs, etc.), also, to receive symbols of this. a1400 Leg. S. ii 298.
For this ferly mony ane Richt thane the Cristine treutht has tane a1400 Leg. S. vi 186.
Pelagia … the val can ta … & the gold rynge a1400 Leg. S. xxxiii 311.
That day baptyme can ta Wele twenty thousand men c1420 Wynt. v 2974.
Syne yhe … has tayne Crystyndome, And has lefft oure eldrys fay a1500 Bk. Chess 1998.
He … Become a monk and tuke the habit a1538 Abell 14b.
Ferythair … tuik first kinglie insignatis that is for to say the swerd of honour, cepture and crowne 1576 Crim. Trials I ii 52.
Gif scho wald denye hir Christindome, and the faith sche tuke at the funt-stane 1549 Prot. Bk. J. Crawford 38b (see Institutio(u)n n. 1).
Tuk 1649 Brechin Presb. 8.
To tak and subscribe … the league and covenant 1692 Presb. Eloq. (1693) 77.
Woman, if you take not Christ, take the meikle Devil then

37. To tak (the) forme (liklynes) of a. Of the Devil: To assume the outward appearance of (a person, etc.). b. Of Christ: To take on a role.a. c1515 Asl. MS I 198/1.
Devillis tuke liklynes of men and had carnale dele with tham 1571 Sat. P. xxix 41.
The Duvill … tekis forme of angell bryteb. 1567 G. Ball. 52.
Christ is cumin from heuin … The forme of seruand takin hes And Verbum Caro factum est

38. To tak life, etc., to be born, to live, to show evidence of life or growth. b. Of Christ: To tak humanite, etc., to be incarnated. c. With reference to the doctrine of the resurrection of the body. a1500 Henr. Deth & Man 3.
All erdly thing that evir tuke lyfe mon de c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 4/46.
Lay out ȝour levis lustely, Fro deid tak lyfe 1625 Fugitive Poetry II vi 18.
Tuik never braith, nor never sall be borneb. 1490 Irland Mir. I 6/8.
He was cled with our nature and tuk humanite 1533 Gau 32/8.
And twik apone Hyme our natur to fulfil the writ 1567 G. Ball. 67.
That Lord … He come from heuin, and tuke mankyndec. c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 17/68.
And in the day of dome that we sall ris compleit And tak oure flesche agane

39. With non-material nouns indicating acceptance of or concurrence in the idea or attitude expressed. a. To ta(k (the) cair, travail, etc., to go to trouble, make an effort, be meticulous; to look after in such a fashion. See also Cure n.¹ 2, Diligence n. 1, Kepe n. 1 b, Labour n. 1 e, Pain n. 6 b, Tho(u)cht n. 3.(1) a1500 Henr. Fab. 2043.
Ȝe man tak trauell and mak vs sum supple 1518 Glenartney Doc.
He … takis and has takin grat diligence in the use and keping of the priuelegis 1535 Stewart 57530.
To keip his cors that tyme he tuke na cuir 1569 Crim. Trials III 395.
My said lord regentis grace hes … takin greit and paynefull travellis in the quieting of the bordouris 1566-70 Buch. Comm. on Virgil Georgics i 3, 4.
Qui cultus habendo sit pecori, … quhat travell suld be taken to store cattell 1615 Highland P. III 203.
For thair keare teakin in advansing ȝour majesteis seruice(2) 1609 Edinb. B. Rec. VI 50.
To taik the cair of the baptisme and mariage buiks 1693 Seafield Corr. 126.
The cloathes may moth if not taken care of

b. To ta(k attent, compt, etc., to pay attention to, to take account of; to make an account of. See also Advertence n., Attendance n., Ee n. 3, Force n. 4., Hede n.², Kepe n. 1, Notice n.², Regard n. 2 (2), Tent n.¹ a. a1500 Henr. Fab. 823.
Bot to the end attent he tuke no moir a1500 Henr. Orph. 458.
To the hevyn small entent we tak c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 14/57.
Quhair seldin compt is tane 1639 Sc. N. & Q. II 131.
This fell out September 27 & was not tackne notice of 1658 Aberd. B. Rec. IV 175.
I desyr yow to tak notice therof accordinglie

c. To exhibit purpose or determination. See Baldness n., Purpos n. 1 c, 7 c.

40. Chiefly of things: To assume the quality or state, or commit the action, expressed in the (chiefly non-material) object.See also Adherence n. 1, Debate n. 1 (b), Glamer n., Gude nicht n., Leve n. 3, Licence n. 1 (b). a1400 Leg. S. xxxvi 223.
That tyme of the ȝere … Quhene that the dais takis linthynge c1400 Troy-bk. i 496.
The sonne … neuir-mare May tak eclyps c1420 Wynt. ii 1180.
The mwne … tuk the hycht c1420 Wynt. v 2729 (C).
Qwhar that mercy tais na stede Bot al withe aw and greif is lede

b. To ta(k (its, one's) begynnyng, etc. or end, etc., to begin or end. 1375 Barb. iv 660.
Fele anoyis thole ȝe sall Or that ȝour purpos end haiff tane c1420 Wynt. ii Prol. 16.
Fra Abraham … All storys tays thaire begynnyng c1500-50 Brevis Cronica 328.
In this tyme the Dunbarris tuke thair begynning 1530 Lynd. Test. Pap. 357.
Fals fortune quhilk takith neuer rest 1562-3 Winȝet I 34/1.
That this tumult tak rest 1572-5 Diurn. Occurr. 279.
Vpoun the first day of August, … ane parliament tuik begyning 1610 Highland P. III 121.
The pirate had that same intentioun … bot the other hes tane the first start 1622-6 Bisset I 224/31.
Any actioun … that salhappin to tak ane end be geving of decreittis 1647 Ayr Chart. 163.
The space of thrie lyferentis … to take beginning at the ishe and expyreing of the yeiris of the take above specifeit

c. To tak entre, to enter. See also Entré n. 1 (2). c1400 Troy-bk. ii 806 (C).
They haue … entre tane Inne it c1420 Wynt. i 925.
In that se … The watterys that cummys rynnand owt Off the flwme Jordane tays entre

d. To tak arrest, to stop, come to a halt. c1400 Troy-bk. ii 2492.
He … fell dovne ten steppis but frist, Or euir he mycht tak arrest

e. To ta(k effect (successe), to have (successful) outcome, to succeed, to work. See also Effect n.¹ b. a1500 Seven S. 91.
I reid we se gif all our werk … effect has tane 1568 Anderson Collect. Mary IV ii 80.
Gif hir … had nocht been trwblit in her aucthoritie, the same wald haiff tane effect er now 1573 Inv. Q. Mary App. clii.
His perswasions … toke not so good effect, as we looked for 1572-5 Diurn. Occurr. 240.
God … wald not thole this interpryse to tak successe 1590-1 R. Bruce Serm. 177.
In this the promise of God had not tane effect in him 1640 Baillie I 263.
If it take not speedie successe [etc.] 1695 S. Ronaldshay 65.
What effect the affair we ware last about is lyke to tack

f. To tak fire (low), to catch fire. 1531 Bell. Boece II 34.
This haddir is of nature dry and takis sone fire 1570-3 Bann. Trans. 159.
Gif … the boit took fyre, ye wald loupe in the sea a1595 Cullen Chron. Aberd. 32.
Gilbert Menzis, prowest of Aberdenis howise towik fyir and breintt 1699 Misc. Hist. Soc. I 387.
His cloths tooke low and were all burnt

41. To provide oneself with, procure, enjoy rest, refuge, etc.; to go to bed. See also Bed n. 1, Gestning n., Girth n.¹ 2, Herbery n. 1, Lug(e)in(g n. 1, Sleping vbl. n. 1375 Barb. ii 556.
Ilk nycht him selwyn wouk And his rest apon daiis touk 1375 Barb. xi 137 (C).
Till Berwik ar thai cummyn … And sum thar-in thar innys has tane a1400 Leg. S. xxvii 1093.
He led hym quhar he suld tak ese, & mad hyme mery for to fare c1475 Wall. ix 1202.
Drew wp the boit, syne beddys tuk to sleip c1500 Makc. MS x 26.
Our ene tak slepyng in sic wis, That our harttis walkand be constant To hewynly thocht 1535 Stewart 28501.
He … tuke him rest … Into the closter quhill his latter da

42. To understand, interpret, appreciate, give (a) value to or assess the value of; to treat (someone or something) in the manner described in a complementary prep. phrase, adverb, past participle or infinitive. Also without complement. Also intr. or absol. Cf. 73 o below.See also Thank n. 3.(1) a1400 Leg. S. xix 366.
Gud Sir, takis nocht in hil, The kinge has send ws al to thé 1456 Hay II 10/25.
How the king and the new knychtis takis in thank this buke of the reuglis … of the said ordre a1500 Henr. Fab. 771.
Me think na man may speik ane word in play, Bot now on dayis in ernist it is tane a1500 Henr. Fab. 2288.
Ane leill man is not tane at halff ane taill 1483–4 Acta Aud. *135/2.
Takande the Inglis groit for ij s. a1500 Bk. Chess 1681.
Be this glas a potingar is tane, Be thir irnis a maister sirurgiane a1508 Kennedy Pass. Christ 60.
Plane termes … Quhilk may be tane with small deficulte 1540 Lynd. Sat. 59 (B).
We mak ȝow supplicatioun That no man tak our wordis in disdane a1568 Scott xii 4.
For as I mene, So tak me 1581 Burne Disput. 166.
Gif euerie command of God var tayne eftir the outuart schau of the vordis 1581 Melvill 87.
The Kirk of God is, sum tymes, larglie tean for all them that professes the Evangell of Jesus Chryst and sa it is a companie and fellowschipe [etc.] 1617 Old Ross-shire I 32.
Ony forther delay … I will tak … as ane refusell 1632 Lithgow Trav. ix 396.
An eagle taking his bald pate for a white rocke, let a shell-fish fall on it 1633 Johnston Diary I 145.
A chylds mynt pleaseth ane loving fayther quho taketh ever the wil for the dead 1638 Nat. Covenant in Facs. Nat. MSS III xcvii.
Whatsoever shall be done to the least of us … shall be taken as done to us all — 1490 Irland Mir. II 147/12.
This terme … amang … philosophouris … is tane twa wais(2) c1420 Wynt. v 872.
Fra jugement he wald thame drawe, … And als hamelyly [withe] thame thare Tak thame as befor thai ware 1513 Doug. i Prol. 108.
Weill at a blenk sle poetry nocht tayn is 1531 Vaus (1531) 4.
Quhi say ȝe tane impersonaly? 1540 Lynd. Sat. 666 (Ch.).
Ȝe tak me wrang 1560 Rolland Seven S. 4264.
I did it for ȝour vtilitie, And ȝe it takis agane ouir crabitlie 1581 Hamilton Cath. Tr. 157.
The letter or scripture literatlie tane, slayis 1672 Wemyss Corr. 118.
Shie tuck my refyousall verie uncayndlie 1678 Edinb. B. Rec. X 348.
The saids clerks … had a competent tyme to … deliberat … and not surprysed and taken onawarse(3) 1612 Orkney & Shetl. Ct. Bk. (ed.) 18.
The said judge tuik suorne the saidis four newtrall men 1629 Reg. Privy C. 2 Ser. III 25.
We … suffered the merchants … to make sale of thair wynes and have taikin thame acted in the bookis of Admiralitie 1694–5 J. Gordon in Misc. 3 Spald. C. III 53.
I gave instructions to an acquaintance … & took him engaged … to send me an account(4) a1606 Dioscoridis Annot. 4b.
Leonicenus, Musa, Fuchsius tak it to be grit Galangall 1658 R. Moray Lett. 308.
I take you not to be very nimble yet at casting of gamonds(5) 1513 Doug. i Prol. 318.
The kyng of poetis ganys nocht for rurall estait … he or scho Quha takis me nocht go quhar thai haue ado 1531 Vaus (1531) 3.
Barnis that cane noch tak Latine towng 1543 Hamilton P. I 408.
We tak youre advertisament writtin in youre letter 1560 Rolland Seven S. 411.
We sal gar paynt vpon the wallis … The seuin science … Sa that this childe may se vesie and luke, And tak doctrine, asweill as in his buke 1587 Edinb. D. Guild Acc. 283a.
vi dowbill ruif sparris … to tua workmen to ouircast thame and taik the waill 1633 Lithgow Poet. Remains 122.
Yea did acquaint mee … That … knowledge could contentment bring; Strengths, townes, castles … Their maners … Customes and gouernment, [etc.] … The Amaronite, Lybian and Nigroe black, Besydes all Europe, in a word to take 1638 Henderson Serm. 439.
How thir words are tane in Scripture(6) a1500 Henr. Fab. 644.
But astrolab [etc.] … Teichit of nature be instructioun The mouing off the heuin this tod can tak, Quhat influence and constellatioun Wes lyke to fall vpon the eirthintr. or absol. 1686 Cromartie Corr. II 259.
I am sure I take as I owght to do

43. To tak … hard(ly with (a person), to react strongly towards. 1596–7 Reg. Privy C. V 363.
That his hienes had tane verry hard with thame and had refuisit [etc.] c1630 Scot Narr. 69.
What it was that moved him to take so hardly with the ministers

44. tr. Of a person: To experience, undergo, suffer (an emotion, event, etc.).The Mare of Colinton quot. may belong elsewhere.See also Comfort n. (b), Delectacioun n., Delyt(e n. 2 (2), Disdaine n. (b), Displesour n. 1 (a), Fere n.³ (b), Joy n. 1 d, Leth n.¹ 2 (3), Lik n. 1, Liking vbl. n. 4 (2), Loth n., Malancoly n. 3, Offence n. 3, Pastym(e n. (2), Pet(t n.², Plesance n.¹ 1 b (3), Pleseir n. a, Plesour n. 1 b (3), Suspicio(u)n n. 2 f. 1375 Barb. iii 186.
The scaith that thai haiff tayn a1400 Leg. S. xviii 270.
Great dowt in his hart he tais a1487 Gud Wyf & D. 303.
Thai haf tane a fall a1500 Henr. Fab. 2132.
Wirk efter my deuyis, And ȝe sall haue it, and tak ȝou na suppryis c1475 Wall. i 346.
Full sar he dred or Wallas suld tak wrang a1500 Seven S. 16.
The emprioure … tuke study and gret doloure Quhom to he suld the child commyt a1578 Pitsc. I 406/28.
He tuik sic melancollie … that no confort … might satisfie him 1596 Dalr. II 187/16.
I on me had tane this dainger c1600 Medical Recipes 86.
It is perrulus in the beginnyng of Aries to tak … ony hurt in the heid 1604 Dundonald Par. Rec. 52.
Kaithrein Makteir … gripit hir airm and it tuik ane grait dollour thairof 1666-74 Fraser Polichron. 392.
All the other south country ministers tooke the frey 1686 G. Stuart Joco-Ser. Disc. ii 30.
The rageous pangs that I ha' tane a1700 Mare of Colinton 40.
No more than she had been dead She cou'd remove her … he … drugged both at main and tail And other parts he could best wail Then bade her take the wind

b. Const. of, to, in the person or matter with regard to whom or which the emotion, etc. is experienced. c1400 Troy-bk. ii 857 (C).
Now atte last thow pete ta Of this wreche ?1438 Alex. ii 298.
The great ire ȝe to me tuik a1500 Lanc. 3003.
His falowschip sich comfort of hym tais That thai ne dreid the danger of thar fays 1531 Bell. Boece (M) I 417.
Mony tuke admiracioun of hir constance 1535 Stewart 19938.
Hargustus … greit displesour of that thing hes tone 1544 Corr. M. Lorraine 79.
Lat ws tak ane cumfortable curage heirin and put our haill confidence in God 1558-66 Knox II 361.
This day have I tacken the deadlie haiterent of all the Hamyltonis 1631 Strathbogie Presb. 5.
Vnto the tyme the civill judge tuick further entres in that mater

c. Of a thing: To suffer (harm). ?14.. Ship Laws c. 7 (B).
The wynys takys scath and [the] mayster wate nocht thar of

45. To contract (a disease), suffer, undergo (illness, etc.). Also intr. 1375 Barb. xvi 278.
The layndar … hyr child-ill rycht now has tane ?1438 Alex. ii 3381.
Ȝit is nocht helit … The woundis that thow in Gaderis tuke c1420 Wynt. v 1211.
The feveris tyll hym tuk he c1475 Wall. ii 244.
The flux he tuk in to thar presoune fell 1531 Bell. Boece I 179.
Conarus, be lang seiknes and malancoly, quhilk he tuke for his incarceration, deceissit 1560 Rolland Seven S. 9687.
His complextioun … was sa stark it tuik na infectioun In his entrales, bot brak furth fra his hart a1578 Pitsc. I 30/19.
Ane horribill pest … all men … dieit the same day they tuik it 1602 Dundonald Par. Rec. 14.
Ane seik kow that tuik the muirill 1623 Perth Kirk S. MS 14 May.
Twik sick payneis as scho wes wount to teik, quhen scho trauellit with chyldintr. 1650 Dumfr. & Galloway Soc. LI 52.
His wyff did tak of the seiknes

VI. In senses involving ideas of undertaking.

46. tr. To undertake, organise and carry out (an action, task, procedure, etc.).See also Ges n., Inquisicioun(e n., Knawlag(e n. 4 b (2), Lift n.² 2 b, Monstour n., Muster n. 1 c, Perambulatio(u)n n. 1 (3). 1375 Barb. vi 343, 350.
Fule-hardyment all will wndertak, Als weill thingis to leve as ta … cowardys … forsakis all … worschip … is mene betuix thai twa And takys that is till wnderta & levys that is to leve c1420 Wynt. v 2196.
Hys knycht … That for hym tane had that travayhle c1515 Asl. MS I 294/19.
It fortunat this man … to tak ane interprys of armes with ane Inglisman 1505 Treas. Acc. III 151.
To Thomas Peblis passand to Lochmaban to tak mesur of the glas windois, ix s. 1558-66 Knox II 211.
Till tryell be tackin, whethir the spirit of docilitie be fund in them 1558-66 Knox II 275.
Yf any of hir servandis … say Messe … or tack the defence thairof 1569-73 Bann. Memor. 224.
Pherniherst … sent Balcleuch to take some midis, that no bloud shuld be shed 1592 Douglas Corr. 243.
Tek 1602 Shetland Sheriff Ct. (ed.) 43.
Taking lang and mature deliberatioun, be the inspectioun of the chepturis of the law buik and parteikis of the contrie in sic caices 1609 Hilderstoun Silver Mines I 232b.
To … visite and tak a tryall of the wode of Torphochin 1615 Highland P. III 268.
That fauour that no heste curse salbe taine againes me be geveing imployment to my onfreendis c1616 Hume Orthog. 2.
To take a glim of a thing 1635 Peebles Gleanings 202.
Robert Meine maissoun comeing to sicht the bridge and tak the worke 1657 Glasgow B. Rec. II 364.
To sight and tack ane vew of the brockin hoillis in the commoune wayis … about the toune 1659 A. Hay Diary 218.
I went to the burial of Marioun Levingstoun … and convoyed her to the kirkyard … I took some lifts of her corps

b. To conduct (a religious ceremony). 1563 Crim. Trials I i 429.
[They] plainlie tuke auricular confessioun

c. Of a university: To undertake the teaching of (a subject of study). 1647 Innes Sketches 308.
That ther be a cursus philosophicus drawin up be the four universities … and that each universitie contribute thair travellis thairto, and … that St. Androis tak the metaphisicks; that Glasgow tak the logicks

d. To tak (something) in cure (task), to undertake (a task). a1500 Henr. Orph. 416.
Boece … To wryte this feynit table tuke in cure 1497 Treas. Acc. I 357.
To the kervour that tuk in task the siling of the chapel

e. To undertake, agree to do (something). Also reflex. ?1438 Alex. ii 17.
He … of him tuke to hald his land And maid him manrent c1475 Wall. xi 489.
This ilk place quhilk I haiff tane to wer 1481–2 Acta Aud. 96/1.
He failȝeit in the productioun of his prufe as he that tuke to preif that [etc.] 1514 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 28.
v nobillis, the quhilk he tuk to deliver … in Flanders 1517 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 41.
Jhone of Hesleop tuk to preff that … he wynterit a kow … and he suld have had the simmer mylk 1544 Tytler Hist. II 401.
My lord Governor tuke to be advised while the morne at even a1568 Scott xxx 2.
Fra raige of ȝowth the rynk hes rune, And ressone tane the man to tunereflex. 1504 Aberd. Sheriff Ct. I 48.
The said Sir Jhonn tuk him to preiff sufficiently the said aits

f. To swear (an oath). Also absol. 1526–7 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 83.
The tane party tak it to his aytht befor the bailyes that the haill sowm … was … payit 1632 Cullen B. Ct. 6 June.
Vpone the quhilk the saidis persones tuick aithe 1632 Cullen B. Ct. 6 July (see 16 above).
Tuick 1681 Laing MSS 424.
I toke and swore the test 1685 Black Bk. Kincardineshire 28.
The prisoners names … who have tackeine the oathes of alleadgeance and abjurationabsol. 1684 Dumfr. & Galloway Soc. 3 Ser. XXXVI 146.
The saids persons solemnly upon there knees with uplifted hands and by repeating each word did take, suear and subscryve [sc. the Test]

47. To ta(k (something) (ap)on one. a. To accept responsibility for (it). Also absol.Also const. infin. 1447 Newbattle Coll. (Somerville).
I the forsaid Henry & myn ayris takis apon ws … the wphaldyn of the forsaid serwis for the sawle of Rawf Wer 1456 Hay I 265/23.
Sik were is … jugit be kingis to be maid that takis the weris on thair conscience a1500 Henr. Fab. 2485.
The cure I tak it vpon me, Ȝour scheip to keip c1475 Wall. vi 355.
His lyff I will apon me tak c1475 Wall. ix 73.
Tayn 1483 Acta Aud. *124/2.
Alexander failȝeit … to haue profit the said somez pait … like as he tuke apoune him & offerit him to preif 1500 (c1580) Edinb. B. Rec. I 85.
Persouns of greitt honour … that will tak vpoun thame that thair guidis ar clengeit 1533 Gau 50/6.
Our lord Jesus Christ … hes taine the greit ir of God apone hime 1533–4 Melville Chart. 75.
He wytht wtheris thre twik apoune thame … to slay him 1533–4 Melville Chart. 76.
Twilk 1571 Bann. Memor. 150.
Thow gave thy self out as campione for the rest and tuike the whole querall vpoun thé 1661 Rec. Old Aberd. I 98.
The … counsellers … did axcept and tacke vpone them the forsaid charge 1667 Strathendrick 9.
James Cunynghame … being interrogat if he would tack upon him the function of eldership accepted therof 1675 Kirkcudbr. B. Rec. MS 22 Dec.
The said William who now hath taken the cryme wpon him be proveing fugitiveabsol. c1475 Wall. v 43.
Wallace so weill apon him tuk that tide Throw the gret preys he maid a way full wide

b. To swear, warrant (that) something is the case. c1500-c1512 Dunb. Flyt. 110.
I tak on me ane pair of Lowthiane hippis Sall fairar Inglis mak 1535–6 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 160.
Jhone Curror takis one hyme that the hog that George Michelhill hes perteines to Alan Michag

c. To assume or undertake the government or crown of a state or kingdom.Cf. 8 and 35 above. 1375 Barb. i 496.
Gyff that ȝe will nocht do sua Na swylk a state apon ȝow ta … lat me ta the state on me And bring this land out of thyrllage 1535 Stewart 44309.
[He] tuke on him the croun

d. To tak (something) vpon one's heid, to determine upon, take it into one's head to do (something). 1596 Dalr. II 411/17.
The westland vpon thair heid tha tuik [L. occidentales regiones versus se contulerunt] and left Edinburgh

48. To ta(k (something) (up)on hand, to undertake, accept responsibility for (a task, etc.); to try (to do (something)). Also absol.(1) 1375 Barb. i 268.
Wedding is the hardest band That ony man may tak on hand c1400 Troy-bk. i 31.
Lleamedone … tuk counsel wpone hand That skaithfull was 1461 Liber Plusc. I 385.
Tan 1460 Newburgh B. Ct. 4a.
Thow art in amersyment for strowland off the curt takand spechis on hand but leffe c1475 Wall. viii 16.
Thai … Besocht him … To cum and tak sum gouernaill on hand(2) a1400 Leg. S. Prol. 59.
Syne tuk I one hand to tret Forthire & of the ewangel speke ?1438 Alex. i 2710.
Ay [quhan] he on hand wald ta To get on fute, thay that war by Wald beir him doun 1449 Lanark & R. 171.
That nan of yhou tak on hand to mak distrublans, impediment, or lattyng 1459–60 Reg. Episc. Brechin. I 189.
That na man attempt na ta wpon hand to execut my said office 1516 (c1580) Edinb. B. Rec. I 164.
That nane … tak vpoun hand to tap nor sell darrer aill na for xij d. the galloun 1578 Reg. Privy C. III 16.
That nane of thame tak upoun hand to credeit the reportis … of the saidis personis 1671 Salmon Borrowstounness 95.
That no heritor … presum or tak upon hand … to harbour … any … subtennants … without … testimonialls(3) absol. c1475 Wall. iv 184.
King Eduuardis man he was … Off rycht law byrth suppos he tuk on hand a1508 Kennedy Flyt. 477.
Be na thing argh, tak ferily on hand—Happyn thou to be hangit in Northumbir

b. To tak (something) wpoun (other people's) handis, to arrange that (others) should do something. a1578 Pitsc. I 340/10.
The kingis mother fawored the Inglischemen … and thairfor scho tuik ane interpryse of aircharie wpoun the Inglischemenis handis contrair the kingis grace hir sone

c. I (dar) tak (up)on (in) hand, I swear, warrant. 1375 Barb. xv 213.
Schyr Eduuarde ik tak on hand Soucht thaim that fled ?1438 Alex. i 1108.
Quhom euir he hit, I tak on hand, He chapit nocht vnhurt a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 876.
Ye sall nane torfeir betyde, I tak vpone hand 1572 Sat. P. xxxiii 137.
For Lady Minnie, I dar tak in hand Happy is he hes sic ane gouernand

49. To ta(k .. part, (a person's) part, in (gude) part, see Part n. 14 a, b, c. 1567 Anderson Collect. Mary I 95.
In quhat part we tuke that maner of dealing 1685 Renwick Serm. 580.
Only desiring that what I have said ye would not take in ill part

50. To ta(k trewis, etc., to negotiate or accept terms for a truce or treaty. See also Dres n. 3 b, Pais n.¹ 1 (2), Pes(e n.¹ 1 (3). 1375 Barb. xiv 96.
Quhill trewys at the last tuk thai ?1438 Alex. ii 6464.
I sall tak the trewis … Quhill Monunday the day be gane c1515 Asl. MS I 215/11.
Allane Stewart … was slane … be Sir Thomas Boyd vnder ane assouerance takin betuix tham a1578 Pitsc. II 293/11.
Thair was trewis taine … and … thir lordis on bayth the syddes to convein togidder 1596 Warrender P. (SHS) II 293.
Thair was mutuall treuce takken, and intimated by sound of trompett 1622-6 Bisset I 168/32.
Trewis and abstinance is takin betuix the parties

VII. In senses involving movement.

51. a. To pursue, follow, enter upon (a route). b. To have recourse to (a means of transport or progression). c. To embark upon (a journey).See also Flicht n.¹ 1 b, n.² (2) and Renk n.¹ 7.a., b., c. 1375 Barb. vii 21.
He suld ger … the slouth-hund … Tyne the sleuth men [gert] hym ta 1375 Barb. xiv 44.
In twa bataillis tuk thar way Towart Cragfergus c1420 Wynt. vi 2060.
Off that ferry … A bate suld be on ilke syde For to wayt and tak the tyde ?a1450 Florimond 293.
The king his schip hes tane 1460 Hay Alex. 2328.
For his saik he sulde the veyage ta c1475 Wall. vii 783.
Thus Wallace ost began to tak the hicht; Our a montayne sone passit off thar sicht 1507 Treas. Acc. III 399.
The first day of Julij, the king and quene tuke viage to Quhithirn 1513 Doug. v vi 55.
Richt swyftly on thar rasys gan thai tak 1533 Boece 311.
Or euer he tuke his hors he kissit the croce 1567 G. Ball. 36.
With that he did his jornay tak Hame 1587 Crawford Mun. Invent. II 187 (Jan.).
I man tack iurnay the moirne vpone fit a1597-1617 Hist. Jas. VI (1825) 221.
The heavening port where he sould have tayne shipping towart Kintyre 1600-1610 Melvill 280.
We tuk the sie, and gat verie fear passage 1610 Edinb. B. Rec. VI 344.
Haveing trymit your said schip and taiking saill and cours to the seis 1683 Misc. Spald. C. II 293.
All of them took presentlie a mosse 1687 T. Brown Diary 47.
Alexander Geddes' new ship … sailled out to Kairstane to taike wind for the Lewis

d. transf. With reference to a course of action. a1400 Leg. S. xxi 946.
Scho was the fyrst that tuk the way, & in the kirk scho was formest c1500 Fyve Bestes 52.
Forbere this way of lust … And take the way of buskis, thorne & brere 1629 Boyd Last B. (1629) 5.
The chiefe course that wee haue to tak, for to win to an happie death is [etc.] 1636 Maxwell Mem. II 260.
The counsell … have takin no course for keiping in of dollers 1638 Cant Serm. (1741) 41.
I suspect, some of you, when it was in doing, took a back-side 1650 Laing MSS 251.
Give ther be not some cours teaken to discepat thes forces … thay will daylie incres and ruen the king 1674 Edinb. Surgeons II 113a.
The deacon to take course with the said Alexander for his triming on the Sabbath day 1680 Dunlop P. III 7.
What way I might tacke to get relefe of it; … it hath bein a werry … heavey burdin for me

e. intr. To travel, journey (in a direction, etc.). 1428 Wemyss Chart. 58.
Begynande at the said Dene burne, takand west thruch [etc.] a1568 Bann. MS 138a/78.
Quhen ȝe haif done, tak hame the brok

52. tr. To ta(k the field, etc., to commence battle. c1475 Wall. iv 444.
Wallace … the field couth ta 1535 Stewart 7153.
On bairdit hors the Romanis tay the feild 1567 Sat. P. v 26.
Quhen fulishlie thay tuik the plane; … Quhen thay in feild come ȝow agane 1581 Sempill in Sat. P. xliii 150.
Quhan Bothwel tuk the chase

53. To ta(k land, to disembark. 1375 Barb. xvi 551 (C).
Thai, besyde Enuerkethyne, … Tuk land c1420 Wynt. iv 938.
Cerces … Suld land have tane in thaire helpyng 1533 Boece 35b.
The naving … at the bay callit Dandale … arrivit, quhare with all thare folkis thai tuke land

54. To tak erde, to get to one's feet. 1460 Hay Alex. 9144.
Hors and man lay flatlingis in the feild … Bot Porrus first recouerit and tuke erde

55. To ta(k … the bak (Bak n.¹ 3 b), to flee. 1460 Hay Alex. 6731.
This counsale gart him ta the bak and fle

56. To ta(k bed (one's chalmer), to retire to bed, etc. due to infirmity, to become bedridden. 1535 Stewart 36453.
The seiknes … causit him tak bed 15.. Clar. i 143.
He his chalmer tuike 1564 Crim. Trials I i 456.
Off the quhilkis straikis scho tuke bed 1569-73 Bann. Memor. 190.
The said Robert … tuke bed, and on the third day departed this miserie 1661 Reg. Privy C. 3 Ser. I 20.
Throw dolor and paine wherof she hes been forced to take bed and hes continued bedfast ever since

57. a. To cause (a person) to accompany (one), to lead or transport (a person) (to, in, etc. a place, also home, on).Wynt., Pitsc. and 1615 Misc. Maitl. C. quots. may belong in 13 above.(1) 1375 Barb. xiii 694.
The queyne that thai takyn had In presoune a1500 Lanc. 475.
To gar tak Fyve … one to the fir stak, And vther fyue be to the gibbot tone 1615 Misc. Maitl. C. II 168.
To be tane to the heid of the lone … and brint 1615 Highland P. III 236.
Offred to haue teakin the said Coline to the cancellar 1661 Black Sc. Witches 44.
They did lay hands vpon the said Jennott Paistoune and did tack hir over out off Dalkeith to Neutoune 1661 Reliq. Antiq. Sc. 134.
He feed hir son and took him not home 1685 Hay Fleming Six Saints I 113.
Christ will take His friends on behind Him when they begin to weary, and dow not hold footfig. 1545 Bk. Carlaverock II 31.
To take me to hys marsie(2) c1420 Wynt. v 197.
The angell … bad hym ta The modyr, and the barne … And pas in Israelle a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 909.
Thir … ledis … left be thame allane Tuke nowthir fremmyt nor freyndis a1578 Pitsc. II 316/5.
Ane woman tuik hir twa bairnes and cuist hir sellff in ane coill sink c1590 Fowler I 63/145.
That … lord … caried at his golden chair thair coupled in a cord These whome he twik in circling so the world round about

b. To carry or transport (a thing) to (befor) a person or place, a shore. c1475 Wall. ii 85.
Thow Scot, to quhom takis thow this thing? 1483 Acta Aud. *117/1.
Lettrez … to the said seref charging him to tak the said prufe befor him 1657 Hibbert P. No. 20.
The boatt cam … withe ȝour wittuall … and wee touik it all a shore

c. To cause (a person or thing) to go with one (or with someone else) or in (one's) hand.(1) 1375 Barb. viii 411.
His brodyr gan he with him ta ?1438 Alex. ii 420.
Hony and oyle he with him tais, And on the alter he set him doune c1420 Wynt. v 1658.
And tuk wyth hyr in cumpany Twa geldyt men c1475 Wall. xi 242.
A gret manteill about his hand can ta, And his gud suerd; with him he tuk na mar a1500 Seven S. 2353.
The stewart … out past And all the keyis with him has tane 1503 Treas. Acc. in Armstrong Hist. Liddesdale 192, n. 4.
Ane litill barrell with green gynȝear, quhilk he tuke with the king in Eskdale c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 166/49.
He vaneist away with stynk and fyrie smowk, With him me thocht all the hous end he towk 1513 Doug. iii ix 26.
I beseik tak me with ȝou 1547–8 Corr. M. Lorraine 217.
And taykis certane peccis off lycht artellȝary with tham and cumis in Lodyene 1548 Corr. M. Lorraine 296.
Ane of them toik Capeden Nicollayis blak hors vyth hem c1566 Fife Sheriff Ct. 406.
The lord schiref [etc.] … sall sit doun in jugment takand with thame thair clerk 1590 Crim. Trials I ii 202.
[They] tuik with thame spaidis and past to ane pece of eird … and maid ane graif(2) c1460 Thewis Gud Women 132.
Ga nocht alane … , Tak child ore maidinge in hir hand

58. a. To remove, extract (a person or thing) fra, (out) of(f a location (also to cut (a part) off a carcass). Also const. aff (out of) one's hands. b. To obtain or derive (something) fra, etc. a source.a., b. (1) 1375 Barb. iv 51.
Thai off Ros … Owt off the gyrth hame all has tayne 1444 Aberd. B. Rec. I 11.
That na fleshowar … tak oute of ony mutoune the neris 1489 Treas. Acc. I 125.
Item, takyne be the kyng … out of the thesorarris purs … iiij li. x s. a1500 Seven S. 2750.
And to the fyre bad hir be harld To tak sic malice out of the warld 1505 Reg. Cupar A. I 260.
To … Wilȝame Jak … fyff akaris of land, thre liand on the Baithchelhil … and othir tua tane out of the est end of the Kemphil haucht 1533 Boece 267.
The king be freyndis was tane fra the feild 1596–7 Melvill 389.
That the haill external government of the kirk mon be tean out of the word of God 1597 Misc. Spald. C. I 191.
Agnes Fren … is indytit to haiff taine thrie heiris out of hir avine kawis taill … as also thow tuik the cluis from fourfeitt off it [sc. a calf] 1622-6 Bisset II 215/29.
That the lawes of England ar takin out of the Scottis lawes and registeris 1629 Dalyell Darker Superst. 389.
Ye teuk ane cog of watter out of the burne 1659 Rothesay B. Rec. 33.
Licentiatt … to tak any thing belongit to him out of the said Allexanders house 1661 Black Sc. Witches 44 (see 57 a (1) above).
Tack(2) 1529 Lynd. Complaynt 132.
Thay tuke that ȝoung prince frome the sculis a1540 Freiris Berw. 214 (B).
Go to the fyre and the meitis fra it tak c1552 Lynd. Mon. 6007.
Frome thare sycht Sall taking be all kynde of lycht c1680 W. Row Blair 159.
Mr. Blair … took the Bible from the reader(3) 1456 Hay I 42/16.
The knychtis tuke the name of knychthede of that word mille 1488 Lanark B. Rec. 4.
The xx^ti crownis that was gewin to my lord of Angus be tan of the common gudis 1567 G. Ball. 44.
He … of the Croce taine was syne, And laid in graue 1584 Waus Corr. 313.
The best halk that is can nocht be reddy to tak af hir blok afoir the last of this moneth 1620 Grant Chart. 319.
To cut and tak of my wodis, tymber and widdieis 1642 Bk. Islay 395.
Twenty murriones, quhilk they tuike off Hieland mens heids 1685 Bk. Old Edinb. C. XI 39.
The saids keepers to taik the iernes of himabsol. 1618 Trial Isobel Inch 12.
The said Margaret began according to the incres of the payne to cry, and for God's caus to tak of hir schnnis the forsaid yrons … she then utterit thir wordis—Tak af, tak af — a1598 Ferg. Prov. No. 512.
It is a sairie collope that is tain off a capone(4) c1400 Reg. Neubotle MS (Reg. H.).
The said land … to be tane out of thair handis 1556 Lauder Off. Kings 476.
Ȝour crown, sworde, ceptour, and ȝour wand, Thay sall be tane out of ȝour hand 1613 Highland P. III 133.
The landislords of the Clangregour who should have taine the bairnes of the Clangregour aff the laird of Laweris handis

c. To obscure (a person) out of one's sight. a1508 Kennedy Pass. Christ 1652.
He … sa ascendit on hicht Quhill a bricht clude him tuk out of thair sycht

59. To remove (a quality, state, attribute, etc.) fra (of) (a person). b. To tak (a person's) lyf. 1456 Hay I 134/2.
He that wald tak fra a clerk his lyfing he takis fra him his lyf 1456 Hay II 161/6.
I mycht lefully, be my lay, tak fra thame bathe thair gudis and thair lyfis a1500 Henr. Bludy Serk 69.
Sen my lyfe were fra me tone c1520-c1535 Nisbet Matth. xxi 43.
Taan 1525 St. A. Formulare I 271.
I tak fra thaim and cryis doune al the gude deidis that ever tha did c1520-c1535 Nisbet III 324/15.
Taynne 1533 Gau 11/16.
Na man vald that ony oder tuyk fra hime his fayme or honour 1567 G. Ball. 147.
He fra me my sin hes tane 1590-1 R. Bruce Serm. (1590) Sig. E ijb (Jam. s.v. Inhable v.).
Sik fault as inhables the person of the giuer to be a distributer of the sacrament & taks the office fra him c1680 McWard Serm. 195.
Take that door of them, by shutting the door upon themb. 1586 Gray Lett. & P. 107.
It cannot stand with his honour, that he be a consentir to tak his mother's lyf c1650 Spalding II 391.
Bot auchtoritie or warrand … his life is takin

60. reflex. To betake (oneself) to a. God, etc. b. A particular legal status or course of action. See also Remissio(u)n(e n. 5. Cf. 16 above. c. A place of refuge. Cf. 41 above. d. Work, a trade or occupation.a. a1400 Leg. S. xxxii 575.
Thé & thi wikit feyndis … I forsak, & takis me Til Hyme that hangit on the tre 1515 Fife Sheriff Ct. 15.
The quhilk thift the said Walter denyit & tuke hyme to Gode & the knawlaige of the said assise tharupone 1597 Misc. Spald. C. I 127.
Tak thé to God and a gude assise 1600 Crim. Trials II 249.
He tackis him to God … and ascryves his delyuerie halie to Him 1629 Black Orkn. & Shetl. Folklore 77.
Sho refusand … and saying sho wad tak hir to God's luckb. c1475 Wall. viii 954.
The commons … said, thai suld, bot he gert Wallace ces Forsaik thair faith, and tak thaim till his pes 1498–9 Acta Conc. II 305.
[An act of adjournal … ] that the sadis persons tuke thame til ane generale respict of our soverane Lord 1513 Doug. xiii i heading.
Rutilian pepill eftir Turnus deces Obeys Eneas and takis thame to hys pes 1515 Fife Sheriff Ct. 15 (see a above).
Tuke 1557–8 Glasgow Prot. II 46.
Dauid Hogisyaird … acceptit and twik hym to the reversioun … now laitlie grantit 1597 Misc. Spald. C. I 127 (see a above).
Tak 1599 Crim. Trials II 97.
He can nocht pas to ane assyis, becaus he hes obtenit the kingis respect for the said cryme … and takis him to the said respectc. a1568 Scott ii 208.
He tynt the feild … And tuk him to ane mill To hyd him, As coward fals 1609 Crim. Trials III 22.
They wer forssed to leive thair horssis and clothes, and teake thame to the wodisd. c1550 Rolland Ct. Venus i 203.
To verteous work all clene I haue me tane 1615–16 Aberd. Council Lett. I 130.
Thar tounismen … having the privelege to be teynd frie … wald altogedder tak tham selffs to that kynd of fishing 1640 Kirkcudbr. Min. Bk. 53.
Any idle man … shall be … put in jayll till he tak himself to some trade

61. To tak (one's) handis fra the recognitioune (Recognitio(u)n(e n. 1) of landis, to withdraw from the legal process of ‘recognition’. 1496 Acta Conc. II 16.
The lords … consalis the kingis hienes to lowsis [sic] this recognicione made be [the] kingis hienes and takis his handis thairfra 1498 Acta Conc. II 230.
Causis … til lowis the recognicione made apone the landis … and tak handis tharefra 1501 Acta Conc. III 3.
[The defender] sal tak his handis fra the recognicione of the saidis … landis … becaus the proces … was nocht lauchfullye led

VIII. With adverbs in specialised senses.

62. To tak at, to participate in (a venture). 1622-6 Bisset II 246/34.
The maister is haldin to say to his followes ‘Meattis will ȝe fraucht be ȝoure selfis or be allowed at the fraucht of the schip' … gif they tak at the fraucht of the schip, they salhave as the schip salhave

63. To ta(k away. a. To seize, confiscate, expropriate, distrain; steal, filch (land, goods); to seize, ravish (a person).The 1435 quot. may belong in 10 above.(1) ?1438 Alex. ii 9055.
Quhen the king saw the Bauderane tane, He … tuke his suord away him fra 1435 Maxwell Mem. 466.
Gif it hapynnys me to falȝhe in the forsaid payment … of oure landis … to be distrenȝit, pundite, tane and away had 1460–70 Black Bk. Arbroath in Innes Sketches 504.
All thaim … that vrangwaysle away takkys appropreys or analeys of the said abbais landis c1515 Asl. MS I 218/11.
Schir George … tuke away Schir Jhon Fosteris gudis 1509 Rec. Earld. Orkney 83.
That nether persone … sall not intromeytt nor tayk awa nodyr erd nor stane, gers [no]r waitter, nodyr wrack, wattill [etc.] … of the grownd of Saba wnder the pane of ane mark Orkneis to be paytt to the aneris … for ilk leyd or buirdyng takyne awa 1555 Prot. Bk. Sir Wm. Corbet 21.
Requyrit at ii pursewanttis … quhi thai twyk awaye the said … meill … wythout ony ordour of lawe 1559–60 Soc. Ant. XI 522.
Reft and spulyeit and away tuik the said chenye with … siluer to ane gret quantite 1573 Reg. Privy C. II 314.
The said superintendent desyrit … that he wald suffer it [sc. land] to be mett, and said the metting tuik nane of the land away a1578 Pitsc. I 197/19.
Quha was inquyrit … gif he knew ony thing of the kingis crowne or quha had teine it away 1582 Inverness Rec. I 291.
He wrangit to be tackand awaye the muk and guding that was nocht his awin 1667 Laing MSS 361.
[The Dutch] have burnt 18 … shippes … and that they maned and tooke away the Royall Soveraigne 1677 Rec. Old Aberd. I 130.
Young boyes … that sall be found … tacking away carrets, syboues, neips(2) 1572 Buch. Detect. (1727) 34.
That Bothwell suld ravische and tak away the quene be force 1597 Crim. Trials II 25.
Scho affermit that hir dochter was tane away with the farie-folk

b. (To remove so as) to get rid of; to eliminate, eradicate. 1503 Treas. Acc. II 203.
Ane unce sewing silk to be cordis to the collaris of the kingis gownis quhen tha tuke away the ribanis 1513 Doug. xi xi 24.
He … this ȝong infant … eftir hir moderis name, hait Casmylla, Camylla hes clepit, a lettir tane awa 1540 Reg. Cupar A. II 8.
Tway bollis of horse corne … the caf clene tane away 1561–2 Edinb. Old Acc. I 366.
Deching of the theifis holl … and taking away of the muk thairof 1566–7 Edinb. B. Rec. III 228.
Jhone Westoun … to caus tak away the hevyn wark of the bak dure at the prouestis logeing a1570-86 Maitland in Maitl. F. 25/26.
And tak away thir ignoranttis Off kirkmen 1583 Edinb. D. Guild Acc. 176.
To John Foster … for … takking away of humlokkis, docannis [etc.] 1598 Edinb. B. Rec. V 232.
That the auld parpell wall betuix the tolbuith … be cleyne tayne away 1621 Calderwood VII 478.
They not onlie tooke away Baal, but the calves of Dan and Bethel 1657 Sc. N. & Q. V 6.
The Deane of Gild to caus tack away & demolish the forsaids butts