Get the better of pulse (4)
I believe the answer is:
beat
This clue is a triple definition!
'get' is the first definition.
(I know that get can be written as beat)
'the better' is the second definition.
(thesaurus)
'of' is a link.
'pulse' is the third definition.
(I know that pulse is a more specific form of beat)
(Other definitions for beat that I've seen before include "Thrash; pulse" , "Policeman's route; strike" , "Flog" , "Thrash with rhythm?" , "Defeat; pulsate" .)