The Jargon File (version 4.4.7, 29 Dec 2003):

smoke test
 n.

    1. A rudimentary form of testing applied to electronic equipment following
    repair or reconfiguration, in which power is applied and the tester checks
    for sparks, smoke, or other dramatic signs of fundamental failure. See 
    magic smoke.

    2. By extension, the first run of a piece of software after construction or
    a critical change. See and compare reality check.

    There is an interesting semi-parallel to this term among typographers and
    printers: When new typefaces are being punch-cut by hand, a smoke test
    (hold the letter in candle smoke, then press it onto paper) is used to
    check out new dies.


The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):

smoke test

   1. A rudimentary form of testing applied to electronic
   equipment following repair or reconfiguration, in which power
   is applied and the tester checks for sparks, smoke, or other
   dramatic signs of fundamental failure.  See magic smoke.

   2. By extension, the first run of a piece of software after
   construction or a critical change.  See and compare reality
   check.

   There is an interesting semi-parallel to this term among
   typographers and printers: When new typefaces are being
   punch-cut by hand, a "smoke test" (hold the letter in candle
   smoke, then press it onto paper) is used to check out new
   dies.

   [Jargon File]