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broken arrow

The error code displayed on line 25 of a IBM 3270 terminal (or a terminal emulator emulating a 3270) for various kinds of protocol violations and "unexpected" error conditions (including connection to a down computer). On a PC, simulated with "->/_", with the two centre characters overstruck.

"Broken arrow" is also military jargon for an accident involving nuclear weapons.

[Jargon File]

(1995-02-07)