Prot`es*ta"tion (?), n. [L. protestatio: cf. F. protestation. See Protest.]
1.
The act of making a protest; a public avowal; a solemn declaration, especially of dissent.
" The
protestation of our faith."
Latimer.
2. Law
Formerly, a declaration in common-law pleading, by which the party interposes an oblique allegation or denial of some fact, protesting that it does or does not exist, and at the same time avoiding a direct affirmation or denial.
© Webster 1913.