1. trans. To take up, reprove, rebuke.
a. 1340. Hampole, Psalter, xlix. 9. Noght in þi sacrifice i sall wiþtake þe [Vulg. arguam te]. Ibid. (c. 1340), Prose Treat., 8. Þay ere in trauayle with takand ydill mene.
c. 1400. Titus & Vesp. (Roxb.), 1403. For he withtoke hem in her lawe Þei wratthede hem sore with his sawe.
2. ? To rescue.
c. 1400. Destr. Troy, 11036. Phylmen þe freke, þat fuersly withtakon, Lut to þe lady.
3. To keep back, retain, or withhold unlawfully.
14[?]. Siege Jerus. (E.E.T.S.), 48. His tribute þat þey withtake wolde.
a. 1450. Myrc, Par. Pr. (1902), 1185. Hast þow werkemen oght wyth-tan Of any þynge þat þey schulde han?
Hence † Withtaker, a rebuker, reprover.
a. 1340. Hampole, Psalter, ix. 24. Þat thynge has man delite to doe in þe whilk þai hafe sum louere & nan with takere.