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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)