Register a rapid succession of drumbeats (4)
I believe the answer is:
roll
'register' is the definition.
(list of names)
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for roll that I've seen before include "Gymnastic move; bread" , "Move like a ball" , "Bread - list - sway" , "Sound of a drum or a list of names" , "Throw (a die or dice)" .)