2. To beat with the fingers, as with drumsticks; to beat with
a rapid succession of strokes; to make a noise like that
of a beaten drum; as, the ruffed grouse drums with his
wings.
Drumming with his fingers on the arm of his chair.
--W. Irving.
3. To throb, as the heart. [R.] --Dryden.
4. To go about, as a drummer does, to gather recruits, to
draw or secure partisans, customers, etc,; -- with for.