Noah Webster
Performance
PERFORM'ANCE, noun Execution or completion of any thing; a doing; as the performance of work or of an undertaking; the performance of duty.
1. Action; deed; thing done.
2. The acting or exhibition of character on the state. Garrick was celebrated for his theatrical performances.
3. Composition; work written.
Few of our comic performances give good examples.
4. The acting or exhibition of feats; as performances of horsemanship.