Priest is missing a beat (3)

I believe the answer is:

lam

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'a beat' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for lam that I've seen before include "Beat hard" , "On this, you're in flight, especially from the police" , "On this, you're fleeing, from the police" , "Go on the - - , (US sl.)" , "hurried flight" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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