Lewis refused even those of the church of England . . . the public exercise of their religion.
Addison.
To draw him from his holy exercise.
Shak.
5. That which is done for the sake of exercising, practicing, training, or promoting skill, health, mental, improvement, moral discipline, etc.; that which is assigned or prescribed for such ends; hence, a disquisition; a lesson; a task; as, military or naval exercises; musical exercises; an exercise in composition.
The clumsy exercises of the European tourney.
Prescott.
He seems to have taken a degree, and performed public exercises in Cambridge, in 1565.
Brydges.