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.
