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*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.
Hear it pronounced