Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PROT-EST-A'TION, a. [Fr.; from protest.]

1. A solemn declaration of a fact, opinion or resolution. – Hooker.
2. A solemn declaration of dissent; a protest; as, the protestation of certain noblemen against an order of council. – Clarendon.
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 alledge the villenage of the plaintif by way protestation, and thus deny the demand. – Blackstone.