from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Exert \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.]
[1913 Webster]
So from the seas exerts his radiant head
The star by whom the lights of heaven are led.
--Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
3. To put forth, as the result or exercise of effort; to
bring to bear; to do or perform.
[1913 Webster]
When we will has exerted an act of command on any
faculty of the soul or member of the body. --South.
[1913 Webster]
{To exert one's self}, to use efforts or endeavors; to
strive; to make an attempt.
[1913 Webster]