Beat, n. 1. One that beats, or surpasses, another or others; as, the beat of him.
2. The act of one that beats a person or thing; as: (a) (Newspaper Cant) The act of obtaining and publishing a piece of news by a newspaper before its competitors; also, the news itself; a scoop.
It's a beat on the whole country. Scribner's Mag.
(b) (Hunting) The act of scouring, or ranging over, a tract of land to rouse or drive out game; also, those so engaged, collectively. “Driven out in the course of a beat.” Encyc. of Sport.
Bears coming out of holes in the rocks at the last moment, when the beat is close to them. Encyc. of Sport.
(c) (Fencing) A smart tap on the adversary's blade.