Pro"test (?), n. [Cf. F. protêt, It. protesto. See Protest, v.]
1. A solemn declaration of opinion, commonly a formal objection against some act; especially, a formal and solemn declaration, in writing, of dissent from the proceedings of a legislative body; as, the protest of lords in Parliament.
2. (Law) (a) A solemn declaration in writing, in due form, made by a notary public, usually under his notarial seal, on behalf of
the holder of a bill or note, protesting against all parties liable for any loss or damage by the
nonacceptance or nonpayment of the bill, or by the nonpayment of the note, as the case may
be. (b)
A declaration made by the master of a vessel before a notary, consul, or other authorized officer, upon his arrival in port after
a disaster, stating the particulars of it, and showing that any damage or
loss sustained was not owing
to the fault of the
vessel, her officers or crew, but to the perils of
the sea, etc., ads the case may
be, and protesting against them. (c) A declaration made by a party, before or while paying a tax, duty, or
the like, demanded of him, which
he deems illegal, denying the justice of the demand, and asserting his rights and claims, in order to show that the
payment was not voluntary. Story. Kent.
Pro*test" , v. t. 1. To
make a solemn declaration or affirmation of; to proclaim; to display; as, to protest one's loyalty.
I will protest your cowardice.
Shak.
2. To call as a witness in affirming or denying, or to
prove an affirmation; to appeal to.
Fiercely [they] opposed
My journey strange, with clamorous uproar
Protesting fate supreme.
Milton. To protest a
bill or note (Law), to make a solemn written declaration, in due form, on behalf of the
holder, against all parties liable for any loss
or damage to be sustained by the nonacceptance or the nonpayment of the bill or note, as the case may be. This should be made by a notary public, whose seal it is the usual practice to affix. Kent. Story.
Pro*test" (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Protested;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Protesting.]
[F. protester, L.
protestari, pro before + testari to be a witness,
testis a witness. See Testify.] 1. To affirm in
a public or
formal manner; to bear witness; to declare solemnly; to avow.
He protest that his measures are pacific.
Landor. The lady doth protest too much, methinks.
Shak. 2. To make a solemn
declaration (often a written one) expressive of opposition; -- with against; as, he protest against your votes. Denham.
The conscience has power . . . to protest againts the exorbitancies of the passions.
Shak. Syn. -- To affirm; asseverate; assert; aver; attest; testify; declare; profess. See Affirm.
Hear it pronounced