a. Capable of being executed; feasible; as, an executable project. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who executes or performs; esp., a performer on a musical instrument. [ 1913 Webster ]

Great executants on the organ. De Quincey. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Why delays
His hand to execute what his decree
Fixed on this day? Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To infect capital punishment on; to put to death in conformity to a legal sentence; as, to execute a traitor. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. To put to death illegally; to kill. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Mus.) To perform, as a piece of music or other feat of skill, whether on an instrument or with the voice, or in any other manner requiring physical activity; as, to execute a difficult part brilliantly; to execute a coup; to execute a double play.

Syn. -- To accomplish; effect; fulfill; achieve; consummate; finish; complete. See Accomplish. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To do one's work; to act one's part or purpose. [ R. ] Hayward. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To perform musically. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who performs or carries into effect. See Executor. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. putting a condemned person to death.
Syn. -- execution, capital punishment, death penalty. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

The excellence of the subject contributed much to the happiness of the execution. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A putting to death as a legal penalty; death lawfully inflicted; as, the execution of a murderer; to grant a stay of execution. [ 1913 Webster ]

A warrant for his execution. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

The first quality of execution is truth. Ruskin. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. The mode of performing any activity; as, the game plan was excellent, but its execution was filled with mistakes. [ PJC ]

5. (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. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. That which is executed or accomplished; effect; effective work; -- usually with do. [ 1913 Webster ]

To do some fatal execution. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. The act of sacking a town. [ Obs. ] Beau. & FL. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One who executes; an executer. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One who puts to death in conformity to legal warrant, as a hangman. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf.F. exécutif. ] 1. Designed or fitted for execution, or carrying into effect; as, executive talent; qualifying for, concerned with, or pertaining to, the execution of the laws or the conduct of affairs; as, executive power or authority; executive duties, officer, department, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ In government, executive is distinguished from legislative and judicial; legislative being applied to the organ or organs of government which make the laws; judicial, to that which interprets and applies the laws; executive, to that which carries them into effect or secures their due performance. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. of or pertaining to an executive{ 2 } or to the group of executives within an organization; as, executive compensation increased more rapidly than wages in the 1980's; the executive suite. [ PJC ]

n. 1. An impersonal title of the chief magistrate or officer who administers the government, whether king, president, or governor; the governing person or body. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. a person who has administrative authority over an organization or division of an organization; a manager, supervisor or administrator at a high level within an organization; as, all executives of the company were given stock options [ PJC ]