Part 898

Great executants on the organ.

De Quincey.

Ex"e*cute (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Executed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Executing (?).] [F. exécuter, L. executus, exsecutus, p. p. of exequi to follow to the end, pursue; ex out + sequi to follow. See Second, Sue to follow up, and cf. Exequy.] 1. To follow out or through to the end; to carry out into complete effect; to complete; to finish; to effect; to perform.

Why delays His hand to execute what his decree Fixed on this day?

Milton.

2. To complete, as a legal instrument; to perform what is required to give validity to, as by signing and perhaps sealing and delivering; as, to execute a deed, lease, mortgage, will, etc.

3. To give effect to; to do what is provided or required by; to perform the requirements or stipulations of; as, to execute a decree, judgment, writ, or process.

4. To infect capital punishment on; to put to death in conformity to a legal sentence; as, to execute a traitor.

5. To put to death illegally; to kill. [Obs.] Shak.

6. (Mus.) To perform, as a piece of music, either on an instrument or with the voice; as, to execute a difficult part brilliantly.

Syn. -- To accomplish; effect; fulfill; achieve; consummate; finish; complete. See Accomplish.

Ex"e*cute, v. i. 1. To do one's work; to act one's part or purpose. [R.] Hayward.

2. To perform musically.

Ex"e*cu`ter (?), n. One who performs or carries into effect. See Executor.

Ex`e*cu"tion (?), n. [F. exécution, L. executio, exsecutio.] 1. The act of executing; a carrying into effect or to completion; performance; achievement; consummation; as, the execution of a plan, a work, etc.

The excellence of the subject contributed much to the happiness of the execution.

Dryden.

2. A putting to death as a legal penalty; death lawfully inflicted; as, the execution of a murderer.

A warrant for his execution.

Shak.

3. The act of the mode of performing a work of art, of performing on an instrument, of engraving, etc.; as, the execution of a statue, painting, or piece of music.

The first quality of execution is truth.

Ruskin.

4. (Law) (a) The carrying into effect the judgment given in a court of law. (b) A judicial writ by which an officer is empowered to carry a judgment into effect; final process. (c) The act of signing, and delivering a legal instrument, or giving it the forms required to render it valid; as, the execution of a deed, or a will.

5. That which is executed or accomplished; effect; effective work; -- usually with do.

To do some fatal execution.

Shak.

6. The act of sacking a town. [Obs.] Beau. & FL.