rigmarole

Definition

A long and complicated formal procedure.

Etymology

From ragman roll (“long list; catalogue”).

Example Sentences

• "Have you seen all the rigmarole you have to go through at airport security these days?"
• "Often one's dear friend talks something which one scruples to call rigmarole."
• "While you are planting the seed, he cries -- "Drop it, drop it -- cover it up, cover it up -- pull it up, pull it up, pull it up." But this was not corn, and so it was safe from such enemies as he. You may wonder what his rigmarole, his amateur Paganini performances on one string or on twenty, have to do with your planting, and yet prefer it to leached ashes or plaster."