[pro.test] n [ME, fr. MF, fr. protester] (15c) 1: a solemn declaration of opinion and usu. of dissent: as a: a sworn declaration that payment of a note or bill has been refused and that all responsible signers or debtors are liable for resulting loss or damage b: a declaration made esp. before or while paying that a tax is illegal and that payment is not voluntary
2: the act of objecting or a gesture of disapproval "resigned in ~"; esp: a usu. organized public demonstration of disapproval
3: a complaint, objection, or display of unwillingness usu. to an idea or a course of action "went under ~"
4: an objection made to an official or a governing body of a sport
[2]pro.test vb [ME, fr. MF protester, fr. L protestari, fr. pro- forth + testari to call to witness--more at pro-, testament] vt (15c) 1: to make solemn declaration or affirmation of "~ my innocence"
2: to execute or have executed a formal protest against (as a bill or note)
3: to make a statement or gesture in objection to "~ed the abuses of human rights" ~ vi 1: to make a protestation
2: to make or enter a protest syn see assert -- pro.test.er or pro.tes.tor n