PROTEST', v.i. [L. protestor; pro and testor, to affirm it.]

1. A solemn declaration of opinion, commonly against some act; appropriately, a formal and solemn declaration in writing of dissent from the proceedings of a legislative body; as, the protest of lords in parliament, or a like declaration of dissent of any minority against the proceedings of a majority of a body of men.
2. In commerce, a formal declaration made by a notary public, under hand and seal, at the request of the payee or holder of a bill of exchange, for non-acceptance or non-payment of the same, protesting against the drawer and others concerned, for the exchange, charges, damages and interest. This protest is written on a copy of the bill, and notice given to the indorser of the same, by which he becomes liable to pay the amount of the bill, with charges, damages and interest; also, a like declaration against the drawer of a note of hand for non-payment to a banking corporation, and of the master of a vessel against seizure, &c. A protest is also a writing attested by a justice of the peace or consul, drawn by the master of a vessel, stating the severity of the voyage by which the ship has suffered, and showing that the damage suffered was not owing to the neglect or misconduct of the master.

1. To affirm with solemnity; to make a solemn declaration of a fact or opinion; as, I protest to you, I have no knowledge of the transaction.
2. To make a solemn declaration expressive of opposition; with against; as, he protests against your votes. – Denham. The conscience has power to protest against the exorbitancies of the passions. – South.
3. To make a formal declaration in writing against a public law or measure. It is the privilege of any lord in parliament to protest against a law or resolution.

1. To call as a witness in affirming or denying, or to prove an affirmation. Fiercely they oppos'd / My journey strange, with clamorous uproar / Protesting fate supreme. – Milton.
2. To prove; to show; to give evidence of. [Not in use.] – Shak.
3. In commerce, to protest a bill of exchange, is for a notary public, at the request of the payee, to make a formal declaration, under hand and seal, against the drawer of the bill, on account of non-acceptance or non-payment, for exchange, cost, commission, damages and interest; of which act the indorser must be notified within such time as the law or custom prescribes. In like manner, notes of hand given to a banking corporation are protested for non-payment.

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 or affirmation of; to proclaim; to display; as, to protest one's loyalty.
   
   

   I will protest your cowardice. Shak.

3. 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.
4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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)