protest

transitive verb

1. to state positively; affirm solemnly; assert
2. ☆ to make objection to; speak strongly against
3. to make a written declaration of the nonpayment of (a bill of exchange or a promissory note)

Etymology: ME protesten < MFr protester < L protestari < pro-, pro- + testari, to affirm < testis, witness: see testify

intransitive verb

1. to make solemn affirmation
2. to express disapproval; object; dissent

noun

1. an objection; remonstrance
2. a document formally objecting to something
3. Law
   1. a written declaration by a notary on behalf of the holder of a bill or note, showing that it has not been honored by the drawer
   2. a written declaration by the master of a ship attesting to the fact that damages or losses were sustained from unavoidable natural causes, and rejecting any liability of the officers and crew
   3. a declaration by a payer, esp. of a tax, disputing the legality or the amount of the payment being made