tick

tick

tick¹ [tik]

n.

[ME tek, prob. < Gmc echoic base > Du tikk, MHG zicken, to tick]

1. a light touch; pat

2. a light clicking or tapping sound, as that made by the escapement of a watch or clock

3. a mark (✓, /, etc.) made to check off items; check mark

4. [from the time needed for one tick of a clock] [Brit. Informal] Brit. Informal moment; instant

vi.

1. to make a tick or series of ticks, as a clock

2. Informal to function characteristically or well; operate; work [what makes him tick?]

vt.

1. to indicate, record, or count by a tick or ticks

2. Chiefly Brit. to mark or check off (an item on a list, etc.) with a tick: usually with off

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tick off

1. [Brit. Informal] to reprimand

☆ 2. Slang to make angry or irritable

tick² [tik]

n.

[ME teke < OE ticia (? for ticca), akin to MDu teke, Ger zecke < IE base * deiĝh-, to prickle, itch > Arm tiz, tick, MIr dega, stag beetle]

1. any of a superfamily (Ixodoidea, order Parasitiformes) of wingless, bloodsucking mites, including many species that transmit diseases and are usually parasitic on humans, cattle, sheep, etc.

2. any of various degenerate, two-winged, parasitic insects

tick³ [tik]

n.

[LME tykke, akin to MDu tyke, both prob. < early WGmc borrowing < L theca, a cover, sheath: see THECA]

1. the cloth case or covering that is filled with cotton, feathers, hair, etc. to form a mattress or pillow

2. Informal TICKING

tick⁴ [tik]

n.

[contr. < TICKET] [Informal, Chiefly Brit.] credit; trust [to buy something on tick]