Beat time

Mark musical time by beating a drum, clapping, tapping the foot, or a similar means. For example, Even as a baby, Dave always beat time when he heard music. [ Late 1600s ]
Historical Examples

Captain Eben held an open hymn book back in one hand and beat time with the other.
Keziah Coffin Joseph C. Lincoln

The eight strained forward, and the coxswain began to beat time.
Ruth Fielding At College Alice B. Emerson

She seemed sitting there ready to beat time to his applause, nod her head to it as to a childish strain of jigging music.
The Woman With The Fan Robert Hichens

When they got near shore, they all began to dance, clapping their hands to beat time.
The Philippine Islands John Foreman

See him beat time with unvarying count and catch up the next note true and steady, as if no breaking place had come in between.
The Optimist’s Good Morning Florence Hobart Perin

She was dancing rather than walking, and with her left hand she beat time to the music.
Novel Notes Jerome K. Jerome

He (my informant) then played some marching airs, and instantly the other raised his head and began to beat time with both feet.
The Celtic Magazine, Vol. I, No. VI, April 1886 Various

Rose beat time for her sister mockingly, and they answered in singsong.
Otherwise Phyllis Meredith Nicholson

The old men sitting by the fire watched the younger ones with enjoyment, and beat time with their heads, repeating the refrains.
Tales by Polish Authors Various

The hoof-strokes of the mare seemed to beat time to the verse.
Lone Pine R. B. (Richard Baxter) Townshend