Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Tick \Tick\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Ticked}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Ticking}.] [Probably of imitative origin; cf. D. tikken, LG.
   ticken.]
   1. To make a small or repeating noise by beating or
      otherwise, as a watch does; to beat.

   2. To strike gently; to pat.

            Stand not ticking and toying at the branches.
                                                  --Latimer.