2. (Law)
(a) A solemn declaration in writing, in due form, made by
a notary public, usually under his notarial seal, on
behalf of the holder of a bill or note, protesting
against all parties liable for any loss or damage by
the nonacceptance or nonpayment of the bill, or by the
nonpayment of the note, as the case may be.
(b) A declaration made by the master of a vessel before a
notary, consul, or other authorized officer, upon his
arrival in port after a disaster, stating the
particulars of it, and showing that any damage or loss
sustained was not owing to the fault of the vessel,
her officers or crew, but to the perils of the sea,
etc., ads the case may be, and protesting against
them.
(c) A declaration made by a party, before or while paying
a tax, duty, or the like, demanded of him, which he
deems illegal, denying the justice of the demand, and
asserting his rights and claims, in order to show that
the payment was not voluntary. --Story. --Kent.
He protest that his measures are pacific. --Landor.
The lady doth protest too much, methinks. --Shak.
2. To make a solemn declaration (often a written one)
expressive of opposition; -- with against; as, he protest
against your votes. --Denham.
The conscience has power . . . to protest againts
the exorbitancies of the passions. --Shak.
Syn: To affirm; asseverate; assert; aver; attest; testify;
declare; profess. See {Affirm}.
I will protest your cowardice. --Shak.
2. To call as a witness in affirming or denying, or to prove
an affirmation; to appeal to.
Fiercely [they] opposed My journey strange, with
clamorous uproar Protesting fate supreme. --Milton.
{To protest a bill or note} (Law), to make a solemn written
declaration, in due form, on behalf of the holder, against
all parties liable for any loss or damage to be sustained
by the nonacceptance or the nonpayment of the bill or
note, as the case may be. This should be made by a notary
public, whose seal it is the usual practice to affix.
--Kent. Story.