\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.