WAVE A DEAD CHICKEN

Domain	Definition
Computing	Wave a dead chicken v. To perform a ritual in the direction of crashed software or hardware that one believes to be futile but is nevertheless necessary so that others are satisfied that an appropriate degree of effort has been expended. "I'll wave a dead chicken over the source code, but I really think we've run into an OS bug." Compare voodoo programming, rain dance; see also casting the runes. Source: Jargon File.
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

Specialty Definition: Wave a dead chicken

Wave a dead chicken is a saying which means to make a token effort (wave a dead chicken) which one knows will ultimately be completely useless but must be done nonetheless so others are satisfied that enough effort has been used to try and fix the problem. "I'll wave a dead chicken over the source code, but I really think we've run into an OS bug." It is a reference to the ritual animal sacrifices that some religions believe can prompt supernatural entities to render assistance. Compare voodoo programming, rain dance, casting the runes.

This definition (or an earlier version of it) comes from the Jargon File via FOLDOC. Used by permission.