protestation

PROTESTA'TION, n.

1. A solemn declaration of a fact, opinion or resolution.

2. A solemn declaration of dissent; a protest; as the protestation of certain noblemen against an order of council.

3. In law, a declaration in pleading, by which the party interposes an oblique allegation or denial of some fact,protesting that it does or does not exist. The lord may allege the villenage of the plaintiff by way of protestation, and thus deny the demand.