subs. (old).A calf. [Probably a corruption of bleater, from its cry.] Hence TO CRY BEEF ON A BLATER = to make a fuss about nothing.
1714. Memoirs of John Hall (4 ed.), 11 [list of cant words in]. BLATER, a calf.
1827. BULWER-LYTTON, Pelham, lxxxii. Dont be glim-flashy; why youd CRY BEEF ON A BLATER.