The rhythmic sound or pattern created by repeated footsteps, or the regular route or area patrolled by a police officer on foot.
Compound of 'foot' and 'beat', where 'beat' comes from Old English meaning to strike or walk a regular path, as in a 'police beat'.
The word 'beat' has two completely different meanings that actually trace back to the same root—the striking sound of steps and the patrol route both involve a regular, repeating pattern of movement or action.
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