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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.