%testation%

n. [ L. contestatio testimony: cf. F. contestation a contesting. ] 1. The act of contesting; emulation; rivalry; strife; dispute. “Loverlike contestation.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

After years spent in domestic, unsociable contestations, she found means to withdraw. Clarendon. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Proof by witness; attestation; testimony. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

A solemn contestation ratified on the part of God. Barrow. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. detestatio: cf. F. détestation. ] The act of detesting; extreme hatred or dislike; abhorrence; loathing. [ 1913 Webster ]

We are heartily agreed in our detestation of civil war. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. obtestatio. ] The act of obtesting; supplication; protestation. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Antonio asserted this with great obtestation. Evelyn. [ 1913 Webster ]

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 ]