1.To perform a work or labor; to exert power or strength, physical or mechanical; to act.
2.To produce an appropriate physical effect; to issue in the result designed by nature; especially (Med.), To take appropriate effect on the human system.
3.To act or produce effect on the mind; to exert moral power or influence. "The virtues of private persons operate but on a few." "A plain, convincing reason operates on the mind both of a learned and ignorant hearer as long as they live."
4.(Surg.) To perform some manual act upon a human body in a methodical manner, and usually with instruments, with a view to restore soundness or health, as in amputation, lithotomy, etc.
5.To deal in stocks or any commodity with a view to speculative profits. (Brokers' Cant)
...
