Definitions
1.nounAny activity designed to develop or hone a skill or ability."The teacher told us that the next exercise is to write an essay."
2.nounActivity intended to improve physical, or sometimes mental, strength and fitness."I do crosswords for mental exercise."
3.nounA setting in action or practicing; employment in the proper mode of activity; exertion; application; use."The law guarantees us the free exercise of our rights."
4.nounThe performance of an office, ceremony, or duty."I assisted the ailing vicar in the exercise of his parish duties."
5.nounThat which gives practice; a trial; a test.
6.verbTo exert for the sake of training or improvement; to practice in order to develop."to exercise troops or horses; to exercise one's brain with a puzzle"
7.verbTo perform physical activity for health or training."I exercise at the gym every day."
8.verbTo use (a right, an option, etc.); to put into practice."She is going to exercise her right to vote."
9.verb(now often in passive) To occupy the attention and effort of; to task; to tax, especially in a painful or vexatious manner; harass; to vex; to worry or make anxious."exercised with pain"
10.verbTo set in action; to cause to act, move, or make exertion; to give employment to.