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.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To strike gently; to pat.
      [1913 Webster]

            Stand not ticking and toying at the branches.
                                                  --Latimer.
      [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
   [1913 Webster]
   [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

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