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.
Quotation dates: 1883-1899, 1950-1953
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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."
