beater
n. countablen. the part of a drum set that hits the drum, like the foot pedal on a bass drum. It can also mean a cheap, old car that still runs but looks bad.
n. the mallet or pedal-activated hammer used to strike a percussion instrument. In North American English, also refers to a high-mileage, aesthetically degraded motor vehicle used for utilitarian purposes.
He needs a new beater for his bass drum pedal.
The drummer adjusted the tension on the kick drum beater to achieve a punchier sound for the rock track.
While his vintage sports car remains in the garage during winter, he relies on a rusty old beater to navigate the salt-covered roads of the city.
From Middle English beter, betere, bettere, from Old English bēatere (“a beater; boxer, fighter; champion”), equivalent to beat + -er. Related to beetle (“a type of mallet”).
By shortening from wifebeater.
In a musical context, refers specifically to the striking head; in automotive slang, it implies a vehicle of low value.