— protestable , adj. — protester, protestor , n. — protestingly , adv. — protestive , adj.
n. /proh"test/ ; v. /preuh test", proh"test/ , n.
1. an expression or declaration of objection, disapproval, or dissent, often in opposition to something a person is powerless to prevent or avoid: a protest against increased taxation.
2. Com.
a. a formal notarial certificate attesting the fact that a check, note, or bill of exchange has been presented for acceptance or payment and that it has been refused.
b. the action taken to fix the liability for a dishonored bill of exchange or note.
3. Law.
a. (upon one's payment of a tax or other state or city exaction) a formal statement disputing the legality of the demand.
b. a written and attested declaration made by the master of a ship stating the circumstances under which some damage has happened to the ship or cargo, or other circumstances involving the liability of the officers, crew, etc.
4. Sports. a formal objection or complaint made to an official.
v.i.
5. to give manifest expression to objection or disapproval; remonstrate.
6. to make solemn or earnest declaration.
v.t.
7. to make a protest or remonstrance against; object to.
8. to say in protest or remonstrance.
9. to declare solemnly or earnestly; affirm; assert.
10. to make a formal declaration of the nonacceptance or nonpayment of (a bill of exchange or note).
11. Obs. to call to witness.
[ 1350-1400; (n.) ME protêt ), deriv. of protester to protest protestari to declare publicly, equiv. to pro- PRO- 1 + testari to testify, deriv. of testis a witness; (v.) late ME protesten protester ]
Syn. 5. complain. 6. asseverate, avow, aver, attest. See declare .
Ant. 1. approval. 5. approve.