From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Protest \Pro*test"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Protested; p. pr. &
vb. n. Protesting.] [F. protester, L. protestari, pro
before + testari to be a witness, testis a witness. See
Testify.]
1. To affirm in a public or formal manner; to bear witness;
to declare solemnly; to avow.
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He protest that his measures are pacific. --Landor.
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The lady doth protest too much, methinks. --Shak.
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2. To make a solemn declaration (often a written one)
expressive of opposition; -- with against; as, he protest
against your votes. --Denham.
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The conscience has power . . . to protest againts
the exorbitancies of the passions. --Shak.
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Syn: To affirm; asseverate; assert; aver; attest; testify;
declare; profess. See Affirm.
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