protestation

noun

Etymology: From Old French protestacion, from Latin prōtestātiō.

1. A formal solemn objection or other declaration.

   “October 28, 1552, Hugh Latimer, Sermon on the Gospel for St Simon and St Jude's Day The protestation of our faith.”

   ““These are but words, young man,” answered Glendinning, “large protestations are often used to supply the place of effectual service.[…]””

2. 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.