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.

Ticking \Tick"ing\, n. [From {Tick} a bed cover. Cf. {Ticken}.]
   A strong, closely woven linen or cotton fabric, of which
   ticks for beds are made. It is usually twilled, and woven in
   stripes of different colors, as white and blue; -- called
   also {ticken}.

Source : WordNet®

ticking
     n 1: a metallic tapping sound; "he counted the ticks of the
          clock" [syn: {tick}]
     2: a strong fabric used for mattress and pillow covers