Noun (plural): a
multiplicity of official (or official-looking) documents, permits, passes, and/or letters of authorization, typically bearing apparently authentic
governmental stamps, seals, and signatures, to be presented mostly by scientific expeditions from developed nations whenever challenged by local, often sub-literate, authorities attempting to impede their progress to extort monies or other remunerations in return for “safe passage” through a specific area under their control; the intent being to thwart such local tactics by implication of the threat of condign action from a superior
governmental power should the papers presented be ignored.