WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Ex`e*cu"tion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [F. ex?cution, L. executio, exsecutio.]
Definition : 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913