The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
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   2. To strike gently; to pat.
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            Stand not ticking and toying at the branches.
                                                  --Latimer.
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