Where does the term "red tape," often associated with bureaucracy, originate from?

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The term "red tape" originated from the practice of using narrow red ribbons or tapes to tie up legal and government documents in England and America in the 17th century. These ribbons were used as a form of security and to signify that the documents had not been tampered with. Over time, the term "red tape" came to be associated with bureaucracy and excessive rules and regulations.

Where Does the Term "Red Tape," Often Associated with Bureaucracy