Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
OUTRAIK, n., v. Also -rake, oot-. [′utrek]
I. n. 1. An extensive grazing-ground for sheep or cattle (Rxb. 1802 J. Sibbald Chron. Sc. Poetry Gl., Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Also in n.Eng. dial.
2. An expedition, outing, journey (Sc. 1808 Jam.).Rxb. a.1860 J. Younger Autobiog. (1881) 94:
To satisfy the shepherd in regard to the nature of the outrake.
3. Fig. Scope, outlet, opportunity; mode of conduct, behaviour (Rxb. a.1838 Jam. MSS. X. 231).Dmf. 1834 J. W. Carlyle New Letters (1903) I. 46:
It was only in case of there being no outrake for me . . . that I spoke in my last of waiting till the Friday following.Slk. 1875 Border Treasury (3 April) 405–6:
The best o' the fock's gaen away in flocks and shoals frae their native land, to the United States, an' Canada, . . . an' wherever they thoucht they wad get an ootrake.
II. v. To give an outlet or scope to, to vent, express.Slk. 1875 Border Treasury (13 Feb.) 335:
Garrin' a' the pots and pans jingle, an' creatin' a confusen for the sole purpose o' gettin' her ill-nature out-rakit.
