- A small beetle (Anobium tessellatum and other allied
species). By forcibly striking its head against woodwork it makes a
ticking sound, which is a call of the sexes to each other, but has been
imagined by superstitious people to presage death. - A small wingless insect, of the family Psocidae, which
makes a similar but fainter sound; -- called also deathtick. - The guard set over a criminal before his execution.
Definition
[ n.]