[j2kun]

Is there an old use of the word patch that doesn't directly relate to physical holes (eg., would someone call fixing a tear a "patch"?). If no, then the line of reasoning still makes sense, because without punch cards there would be no physical holes to patch.

[derefr]

I would wonder what term has been used historically for "a small fix to a large conceptual design after flaws have been pointed out." In the modern day, that's almost always "a patch": mathematical theorems get patches, architectural plans get patches, etc. When did this usage start, and what came before it?

[imh]

Yeah. When referring to non-physical things, 'patch up' is basically interchangeable with 'mend.' Patching up a relationship is a common usage that comes to mind.