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.