Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for EX'ER-CISE
EX'ER-CISE, n. [s as z. L. exercitium, from exerceo; ex and the root of Gr. εργον, Eng. work; Fr. exercice; Sp. exercicio; It. esercizio. In a general sense, any kind of work, labor, or exertion of body. Hence,]
- Use; practice; the exertions and movements customary in the performance of business; as, the exercise of an art, trade, occupation, or profession.
- Practice; performance; as, the exercise of religion.
- Use; employment; exertion; as, the exercise of the eyes, or of the senses, or of any power of body or mind.
- Exertion of the body, as conducive to health; action; motion, by labor, walking, riding, or other exertion. The wise for cure on exercise depend. Dryden.
- Exertion of the body for amusement, or for instruction; the habitual use of the limbs for acquiring an art, dexterity, or grace, as in fencing, dancing, riding; or the exertion of the muscles for invigorating the body.
- Exertion of the body and mind, or faculties for improvement, as in oratory, in painting or statuary.
- Use or practice to acquire skill; preparatory practice. Military exercises consist in using arms, in motions, marches, and evolutions. Naval exercise consists in the use or management of artillery, and in the evolutions of fleets.
- Exertion of the mind; application of the mental powers.
- Task; that which is appointed for one to perform. Milton.
- Act of divine worship. Shak.
- A lesson or example for practice.
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