Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
TICK, n.3 Only in phr. to play the tick, to play truant (Fif. 1959 I. and P. Opie Lore and Language of Schoolchildren 372, Fif. 1972). Hence ticker, n., one who plays truant from school (Id.).
[Poss. ad. Tick, n 1, 1., the game of Tig, or an altered form of Kip, n.2, id.]
