Ex*ert" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Exerted; p. pr. & vb. n. Exerting.] [L. exertus, exsertus, p.p. of exerere, exserere, to thrust out; ex out + serere to join or bind together. See Series, and cf. Exsert.]
1.
To thrust forth; to emit; to push out.
[Obs.]
So from the seas exerts his radiant head
The star by whom the lights of heaven are led.
Dryden.
2.
To put force, ability, or anything of the nature of an active faculty; to put in vigorous action; to bring into active operation; as, to exert the strength of the body, limbs, faculties, or imagination; to exert the mind or the voice.
3.
To put forth, as the result or exercise of effort; to bring to bear; to do or perform.
When we will has exerted an act of command on any faculty of the soul or member of the body.
South.
To exert one's self, to use efforts or endeavors; to strive; to make an attempt.
© Webster 1913.