To keep up appearances or go through the motions without the original substance; refers to preserving an outward form even when its purpose is lost.

stipend in the form of grain provided by the government to students or officials in imperial China

slaughtered or live animals used as gifts or sacrifices in ancient rituals

(literary) grain allowances or food stipends formerly provided to salaried graduates or students

a live sheep used as a sacrifice in traditional ceremonies

to perform a task in a perfunctory manner; to carry out an ritual or duty merely for form's sake