\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.