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exec


exec: /eg-zek'/ vt., n. 1. [UNIX: from `execute'] Synonym for
   chain, derives from the `exec(2)' call.  2. [from
   `executive'] obs. The command interpreter for an OS (see
   shell); term esp. used around mainframes, and prob.
   derived from UNIVAC's archaic EXEC 2 and EXEC 8 operating systems.
   3. At IBM and VM/CMS shops, the equivalent of a shell command file
   (among VM/CMS users).

The mainstream `exec' as an abbreviation for (human) executive is *not* used. To a hacker, an `exec' is a always a program, never a person.