The terrifying history of the 'gabble ratchets'

Prepare to go back to 1677 and read about witchcraft in olde Englande and the terrifying 'Gabriel Ratchets'. The origins of the words go even further back, deep into Anglo-Saxon and old Norse and are referenced by Shakespeare and Wordsworth. Enjoy; but if you read this at night, best keep a light on!

http://from-bedroom-to-study.b…ts-of-gabble-ratchet.html

I wonder at what point ‘Gabriel’ became ‘gabble’ and how much of this the band were aware of. I know they were well educated lads but did any of them study this stuff?