Protestation
[,prɒtɪ'steɪʃ(ə)n] or [,prɑtə'steʃən]
Definition
(n.) The act of making a protest; a public avowal; a solemn declaration, especially of dissent.
(n.) 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.
Inputed by Gerard
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. Declaration, asseveration, affirmation, averment, avowal.
Editor: Sheldon
Examples
- No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
- Thus adjured, Topsy confessed to the ribbon and gloves, with woful protestations of penitence. Harriet Beecher Stowe. Uncle Tom's Cabin.
- We heard without sympathy the protestations with which he tried next to persuade us that the disclosure of the conspiracy had overwhelmed him. Wilkie Collins. The Woman in White.
- The Vengeance and Jacques Three vied with each other in their fervent protestations that she was the most admirable and marvellous of witnesses. Charles Dickens. A Tale of Two Cities.
- It shows itself in acts rather than in words, and has more influence than homilies or protestations. Louisa May Alcott. Little Women.
- Raymond recognized her; and his manner changed from polite beneficence to the warmest protestations of kindness and sympathy. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- I make no protestations,' said Eugene; '--who does, who means them! Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- It is not by protestations that I shall endeavour to convince you I am wronged; it is not by telling you that my affections are steady. Jane Austen. Mansfield Park.
- But he is of your own faith, and his lightest affirmance would weigh down the most solemn protestations of the distressed Jewess. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- Topsy, with loud protestations, and tears, and groans, declared that she _could_ not. Harriet Beecher Stowe. Uncle Tom's Cabin.
Typed by Andy