Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PRO-TEST', v.i. [L. protestor; pro and testor, to affirm; It. protestare; Fr. protester; Sp. protestar.]

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.