protesting
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Protest \Pro*test"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Protested; p. pr. & vb. n. Protesting.] [F. protester, L. protestari, pro before + testari to be a witness, testis a witness. See Testify.]
1.To affirm in a public or formal manner; to bear witness; to declare solemnly; to avow. [1913 Webster]
He protest that his measures are pacific.— Landor.[1913 Webster]
The lady doth protest too much, methinks.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
2.To make a solemn declaration (often a written one) expressive of opposition; -- with against; as, he protest against your votes. --Denham. [1913 Webster]
The conscience has power . . . to protest againts the exorbitancies of the passions.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
Syn: To affirm; asseverate; assert; aver; attest; testify; declare; profess. See Affirm. [1913 Webster]