Ex*ec"u*tive , n. An impersonal title of the
chief magistrate or officer who administers the government, whether king, president, or governor; the governing person or body.
Ex*ec"u*tive (?), a.
[Cf.F. exécutif.]
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.
&fist; 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.
Hear it pronounced