exec
exec: /eg-zek'/ or /eks'ek/ 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.
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