Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
OFFTAK, n., v. Also offtake. See also Afftak.
I. n. A scoffer, mocker, one who takes others off by ridicule (Bnff., Fif., Kcb. 1964).Arg.2 1931:
He was aye a bit o' an offtak aa his days.
II. v. 1. As ppl.adj.: scoffing, jeering, mocking, sarcastic (Rxb. 1927 E. C. Smith Braid Haaick 16). Gen.Sc. Cf. Afftakin, adj.Wgt. 1877 “Saxon” Gall. Gossip 285:
Serve him right . . . for he's an off-taking vagabond.Dmf. 1927 J. Mothersole Roman Scot. 261:
They was a' off-takin' kind of fowk, they Carlyles; they'd take ye off, blunt-like.Arg.2 1931:
He'll hae tae get rid o' thae offtakin weys o' his; they'll only bring 'im ill-wull an trouble.
2. As vbl.n.; taking off, removal.Abd. 1742 Powis Papers (S.C.) 285:
To ordering the bands offtaking and on-putting the same on the Entry Gate of the big Lodgeing . . . 6s. 0d.
