Deadbeat \Dead"beat`\, a. (Physics)
Making a beat without recoil; giving indications by a single
beat or excursion; -- said of galvanometers and other
instruments in which the needle or index moves to the extent
of its deflection and stops with little or no further
oscillation.
[1913 Webster]
{Deadbeat escapement}. See under {Escapement}.
[1913 Webster]