Ex`e*cu"tion (?), 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.
The excellence of the subject contributed much to the
happiness of the execution.
Dryden.
2. A putting to death as a legal penalty;
death lawfully inflicted; as, the execution of a
murderer.
A warrant for his execution.
Shak.
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.
The first quality of execution is
truth.
Ruskin.
4. (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.
5. That which is executed or accomplished;
effect; effective work; -- usually with do.
To do some fatal execution.
Shak.
6. The act of sacking a town. [Obs.]
Beau. & FL.
