transitive (reflexive). To exert oneself (to do something); to strive, endeavour; to do one's best. Obsolete.

reflexive. To exert oneself, strive. Const. to with infinitive. Also to with n.: To strive after, rush into. Obsolete.

transitive (reflexive). To exert oneself to do something. Cf. virtue, n. 5a.

reflexive. To exert oneself, use effort. Const. to with infinitive; (rarely) for, to, with n.; also simply.

transitive. To make use of, use, employ; to exert (one's strength). Also reflexive: to exert oneself.

reflexive. To exert one's strength; to strive.

transitive (reflexive). To apply oneself, to exert oneself. Obsolete.

transitive. To put in operation, to bring into play; to employ or exercise (one's strength, or a quality or ability) to achieve a goal; (also) to…

reflexive. To exert or strain oneself. Obsolete. rare.

reflexive. To force oneself, to make an effort (transl. French s'efforcer). Obsolete.

reflexive and intransitive. To apply oneself to; †to set oneself against.

reflexive. To put forth virtue from (oneself); to exert oneself (to do something).

to exert oneself: to put forth one's latent powers; to use efforts or endeavours; to strive.

reflexive. To gather oneself together for an effort; to exert oneself, make an effort; to hurry; also, to pride or fancy oneself. Also intransitive…

U.S. colloquial. To make a considerable effort, to exert oneself. Also: to draw attention to oneself, to show off. transitive (reflexive). Now rare.

transitive (reflexive). British colloquial. To disport oneself; to cavort, caper; (now esp.) to make conspicuous use of physical effort.