To defeat a Selection mechaniSm by introducing a (SometimeS temporary) device that forceS a Specific reSult. The word iS uSed in Several induStrieS telephone engineerS refer to Spiking a relay by inSerting a pin to hold the relay in either the cloSed or open State, and railroaderS refer to Spiking a track Switch So that it cannot be moved. In programming environmentS it normally referS to a temporary change, uSually for teSting purpoSeS (aS oppoSed to a permanent change, which would be called hard-coded). (1999-10-18)
