Protest

In Mercantile Law. A notarial act, made for want of payment of a promissory note, or for want of acceptance or payment of a bill of exchange by a notary public, in which it is declared that all parties to such instruments will be held responsible to the holder for all damages, exchanges, re-exchange, etc. In Legislation. A declaration made by one or more members of a legislative body that they do not agree with some act or resolution of the body. It is usual to add the reasons which the protestants have for such a dissent. In Maritime Law. A writing, attested by a justice of the peace, a notary public, or a consul, made and verified by the master of a vessel, stating the severity of a voyage by which a ship has suffered, and showing that it was not owing to the neglect or misconduct of the master.

See Marsh. Ins. 715, 716; 1 Wash. C. C. (U. S.) 145, 238, 408, note; 1 Pet. C. C. (U. S.) 119; 1 Dall. (Pa.) 6, 10, 317; 2 DalL (Pa.) 195; 3 Watts & S. (Pa.) 144.