An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Racker

by Friedrich Kluge

Racker, m., ‘layer, hangman's servant,’ ModHG. only; comp. Du. rakker, ‘beadle, hangman.’ Lessing suggested that it was allied to recken, ‘to put to the rack.’ It is now usually connected with LG. racken, ‘to sweep together,’ and MidLG. racker, ‘flayer, knacker, nightman.’