"Tick" Definition

Definitions for the word "Tick" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. n.
1 slight recurring click, esp. That of a watch or clock. 2 colloq. Moment. 3 mark to denote correctness, check items in a list, etc. v. 1 (of a clock etc.) Make ticks. 2 a mark with a tick. B (often foll. By off) mark (an item) with a tick in checking. tick off colloq. Reprimand. Tick over 1 (of an engine etc.) Idle. 2 (of a person, project, etc.) Be functioning at a basic level. What makes a person tick colloq. Person''s motivation. [probably imitative]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
2. n.
1 parasitic arachnid on the skin of dogs, cattle, etc. 2 parasitic insect on sheep and birds etc. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
3. n.
Colloq. Credit (buy goods on tick). [apparently an abbreviation of *ticket in on the ticket]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
4. n.
1 cover of a mattress or pillow. 2 = *ticking. [greek theke case]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
5. slang
credit, trust. Johnson says it is a corruption of “ticket,”—tradesmen’s bills being formerly written on tickets or cards. On TICK, therefore, is equivalent to on TICKET, or on trust. In use in 1668, and before, as follows:— “No matter upon landing whether you have money or no—you may swim in twentie of their boats over the river upon TICKET.”—_Decker’s Gulls’ Hornbook_, 1609.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864

Dictionary entries nearby:

Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "Tick" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "Tick" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
The definitions for words, phrases and slang (such as "Tick") in this dictionary are sourced from multiple sources - including sources historical in nature. The sources may contain outdated, inaccurate or even offensive information when viewed from a modern context. It is important to consider the date the dictionary was published and view such content from a historical perspective and consider that the meanings, interpretations and usage of words may have evolved over time. Users should cross-reference this information with contemporary sources for a more complete understanding.

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by any brands mentioned on the page. Trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.