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.
Pro"test (?), n. [Cf. F. protÍt, It. protesto. See Protest, v.] 1. A
solemn declaration of opinion, commonly a formal objection against some
act; especially, a formal and solemn declaration, in writing, of
dissent from the proceedings of a legislative body; as, the protest of
lords in Parliament.
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.