[1] : Jargon File (4.3.1, 29 Jun 2001)

bounce message n. common notification message returned to sender by a
   site unable to relay email to the intended internet address
   recipient or the next link in a bang path see bounce, sense 1.
   reasons might include a nonexistent or misspelled username or a down
   relay site. bounce messages can themselves fail, with occasionally ugly
   results; see sorcerer's apprentice mode and software laser. the
   terms `bounce mail' and `barfmail' are also common.


see also:
email internet address bang path bounce down sorcerer's apprentice mode 
software laser 

[2] : The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03)

bounce message
     
        a notification message returned to the sender by a site unable
        to relay e-mail to the intended recipient or the next link
        in a bang path.  reasons might include a nonexistent or
        misspelled user name or a down relay site.  bounce messages
        can themselves fail, with occasionally ugly results; see
        sorcerer's apprentice mode and software laser.  the terms
        "bounce mail" and "barfmail" are also common.
     
        jargon file
     
        1994-11-29
     
     
see also:
e-mail bang path down sorcerer's apprentice mode software laser jargon file 

Message >> M Words
Message, definition of term: Message
message_pag1.html

Bounce >> B Words
Bounce, definition of term: Bounce
bounce_pag1.html