Especially with reference to the heart: so as to beat, in a state of beating (typically quickly, because of excitement or strong emotion); frequently in "to set abeat".
Origin
Mid 19th century. From a + beat.
Definition of abeat in US English:
abeat
adverbəˈbiːt
poetic
Especially with reference to the heart: so as to beat, in a state of beating (typically quickly, because of excitement or strong emotion); frequently in "to set abeat".