Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
RAKKI, n.1, v. Also rakkie, raki(e), rackie and curtailed Mry. form rack(s).
I. n. A ring or yoke-shaped attachment running on a mast by which the yard of a lug-sail can be raised and lowered, a parrel or traveller (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 182, 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928); Kcd. 1910 Metcalfe 259; Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.; Sh., Mry. 1967). Comb. rakkiband, the rope used to attach the rakki to the mast (Edm., Jak., Angus, Sh. 1967).Sh. 1883 J. R. Tudor Ork. and Sh. 664:
Rakie. The parl or traveller by which the yard is attached to the mast.Sh. 1899 Shetland News (6 May):
Da rakie is a' richt; but does doo see da rakkiebands?Sh. 1950 P. Anson Sc. Fisherfolk 100:
The sail had one or two reefs in the head, and two or three in the foot. Instead of a traveller, a cow's horn or a piece of hard wood was used. It was called the “rakki” and was secured to the yard by seizings.Sh. 1953 C. G. D. Sandison Sixareen iv.:
The yard was attached to the fore-side of the mast by means of a smooth, semi-circular piece of hardwood, called the “rackie”, that would slide easily up and down.
II. v. To hoist or lower the main-sail; to bind the yard to the mast in a square sail (Sh. 1967).Sh. 1899 Shetland News (9 Dec.):
“Ye've no rakkied da sail!” “We needna hinder time ta rakkie, he's only a braeth.”
