exec

   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 always a program, never a person.

[glossary]
[Reference(s) to this entry by made by: {chain}]