%protestation%

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]