1. [n]  a long and complicated and confusing procedure; "all that academic rigmarole was a waste of time"
2. [n]  a set of confused and meaningless statements

RIGMAROLE is a 9 letter word that starts with R.

1. \Rig"ma*role\, n. [For ragman roll. See {Ragman's
   roll}.]
   A succession of confused or nonsensical statements; foolish
   talk; nonsense. [Colloq.]
   
         Often one's dear friend talks something which one
         scruples to call rigmarole.              --De Quincey.
   
   

2. \Rig"ma*role\, a.
   Consisting of rigmarole; frovolous; nonsensical; foolish.