a. and sb. Obs. [ad. L. exercent-em, pr. pple. of exercēre to EXERCISE.]
A. adj. That is actively exercising the duties of his calling or profession, or the characteristic functions of his office. Said esp. of an advocate: That is practising his profession, in practice.
1610. D. Owen, Herod & Pilate reconciled, 52. The Tyrant exercent: hauing described him to be a Prince, that doth wilfully dissolue all, or the chiefest compacts of the commonwealth.
1720. Strype, Stow’s Surv. (1754), I. I. xxiv. 173/1. The Doctors Exercent in these Courts in the year 1694, being Forty-four.
1721–1800. in Bailey.
1726. Ayliffe, Parergon, 56. The Judge may oblige every exercent Advocate to give his Patronage and Assistance unto a Litigant in Distress for want of an Advocate.
[1857. Act 20 & 21 Vict., c. 77 § 116. ‘The College of Doctors of Law exercent in the Ecclesiastical and Admiralty Courts,’ incorporated under that style … 22nd June 8 Geo. III.]
B. sb. One who exercises or follows a profession.
1720. Strype, Stow’s Surv., I. I. xxiv. 155/2. Anno 1585 the doctors then inhabiting the Commons and Exercents in these courts were … but sixteen or seventeen in all.
