Tic"kle (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Tickled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Tickling (?).] [Perhaps freq. of tick to beat; pat; but cf. also AS. citelian to tickle, D. kittelen, G. kitzlen, OHG. chizzilon, chuzzilon, Icel. kitla. Cf. Kittle, v. t.]

1.

To touch lightly, so as to produce a peculiar thrilling sensation, which commonly causes laughter, and a kind of spasm which become dengerous if too long protracted.

If you tickle us, do we not laugh? Shak.

2.

To please; to gratify; to make joyous.

Pleased with a rattle, tickled with a straw. Pope.

Such a nature Tickled with good success, disdains the shadow Which he treads on at noon. Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.


Tic"kle, v. i.

1.

To feel titillation.

He with secret joy therefore Did tickle inwardly in every vein. Spenser.

2.

To excite the sensation of titillation.

Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.


Tic"kle, a.

1.

Ticklish; easily tickled.

[Obs.]

2.

Liable to change; uncertain; inconstant.

[Obs.]

The world is now full tickle, sikerly. Chaucer.

So tickle is the state of earthy things. Spenser.

3.

Wavering, or liable to waver and fall at the slightest touch; unstable; easily overthrown.

[Obs.]

Thy head stands so tickle on thy shoulders, that a milkmaid, if she be in love, may sigh it off. Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.