boa

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.(Zool.) A genus of large American serpents, including the boa constrictor, the emperor boa of Mexico (Boa imperator), and the chevalier boa of Peru (Boa eques). [1913 Webster]

Note: The name is also applied to related genera; as, the dog-headed boa (Xiphosoma caninum). [1913 Webster]

2.A long, round fur tippet; -- so called from its resemblance in shape to the boa constrictor. [1913 Webster]

Free On-line Dictionary of Computing

<architecture> (BOA) Part of the CORBA architecture. [Details?]

(2004-06-23)

[IBM] Any one of the fat cables that lurk under the floor in a dinosaur pen. Possibly so called because they display a ferocious life of their own when you try to lay them straight and flat after they have been coiled for some time. It is rumored within IBM that channel cables for the 370 are limited to 200 feet because beyond that length the boas get dangerous --- and it is worth noting that one of the major cable makers uses the trademark "Anaconda". [Jargon File]

The Jargon File

Any one of the fat cables that lurk under the floor in a dinosaur pen. Possibly so called because they display a ferocious life of their own when you try to lay them straight and flat after they have been coiled for some time. It is rumored within IBM that channel cables for the 370 are limited to 200 feet because beyond that length the boas get dangerous — and it is worth noting that one of the major cable makers uses the trademark ‘Anaconda’.