EX'ECUTE, verb transitive [Latin exequor, for exsequor; ex and sequor, to follow. See Seek.] 1. Literally, to follow out or through. Hence, to perform; to do; to effect; to carry into complete effect; to complete; to finish. We execute a purpose, a plan, design or scheme; we execute a work undertaken, that is, we pursue it to the end. 2. To perform; to inflict; as, to execute judgment or vengeance. 3. To carry into effect; as, to execute law or justice. 4. To carry into effect the law, or the judgment or sentence on a person; to inflict capital punishment on; to put to death; as, to execute a traitor. 5. To kill. 6. To complete, as a legal instrument; to perform what is required to give validity to a writing, as by signing and sealing; as, to execute a deed or lease. EX'ECUTE, verb intransitive To perform the proper office; to produce an effect.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI