<P> Round - robin is a document signed by multiple parties in a circle to make it more difficult to determine the order in which it was signed, thus preventing a ringleader from being identified . </P> <P> The term dates from the 17th - century French ruban rond (round ribbon). This described the practice of signatories to petitions against authority (usually Government officials petitioning the Crown) appending their names on a document in a non-hierarchical circle or ribbon pattern (and so disguising the order in which they have signed) so that none may be identified as a ringleader . </P> <P> This practice was adopted by sailors petitioning officers in the Royal Navy (first recorded 1731). </P>

Where did the term round robin come from
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