Round Robin and Ringleader

Posted by Woodchuck on September 29, 2002

In Reply to: Round Robin posted by Gillian on September 29, 2002

: Can anyone tell me where the term 'round robin' comes from ?

Marine Insurance Glossary: Sea Language Washes Ashore by Robert L. Scheina, Surveyor, originally published as part of the quarterly publication of the American Bureau of Shipping, November 1978, Volume 12, Number 4:

"Immunity was achieved by the "round robin." Signatures on a grievance petition would appear as a circular pattern of ribbons similar to the spokes of a wheel. The robin is derived from the French ruban, or ribbon. Hiding the identity of the leaders within the circle of signatures may be the origin of the term "ringleader" as well."