execution

n. [ F. exécution, L. executio, exsecutio. ] 1. The act of executing; a carrying into effect or to completion; performance; achievement; consummation; as, the execution of a plan, a work, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

The excellence of the subject contributed much to the happiness of the execution. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A putting to death as a legal penalty; death lawfully inflicted; as, the execution of a murderer; to grant a stay of execution. [ 1913 Webster ]

A warrant for his execution. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

The first quality of execution is truth. Ruskin. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. The mode of performing any activity; as, the game plan was excellent, but its execution was filled with mistakes. [ PJC ]

5. (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. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. That which is executed or accomplished; effect; effective work; -- usually with do. [ 1913 Webster ]

To do some fatal execution. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. The act of sacking a town. [ Obs. ] Beau. & FL. [ 1913 Webster ]