E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Round Robin.
A petition or protest signed in such a way that no name heads the list. Of course, the signatures are placed in a circular form. The device is French, and the term is a corruption of rond (round) ruban (a ribbon). It was first adopted by the officers of government as a means of making known their grievances.
