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.
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.