Exec

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, 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.