unwind-protect

from Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003)

unwind-protect
 n.

   [MIT: from the name of a LISP operator] A task you must remember to
   perform before you leave a place or finish a project. "I have an
   unwind-protect to call my advisor."

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)

unwind-protect

   ({MIT}) A {Lisp} operator which evaluates an expression and
   then, even if that expression causes a {non-local exit},
   evaluates zero or more other expressions.  This can be used to
   ensure that essential "clean-up" operations are performed even
   in the presence of errors.

   [{Jargon File}]

   (1994-11-03)