I. noun
or tic·tac ˈtikˌtak
( -s )
Etymology: imitative
1.
a. : a repeated ticking or tapping noise like that made by a clock or watch
the ticktack of sleet on frosted windowpanes — Merle Crowell
b. : a contrivance to make a tapping or rattling sound (as on a window or door) operated from a distance especially as a practical joke
hold ticktacks up against their windows — John O'Hara
2.
[modification of Middle French trictrac ]
obsolete : trictrac
3. Britain : secret signaling between bookmakers at a race
II. verb
or tictac “
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1. : to move or sound with a ticktack
2. Britain : to signal by ticktack