protesting

1. gerundparticiplepresentpresent participle and gerund of protest

plural protestings

1. Protestation.

   1599, William Shakespeare (attributed), The Passionate Pilgrim, [Poem 7], Yet in the midst of all her pure protestings, Her faith, her oaths, her tears and all were jestings.

   2 more examples

   Are not Vows binding, do we mock the Gods, When our Protestings summon ’em to Witness, Whether our Words keep measure with our Hearts?

   1688, William Mountfort, The Injur’d Lovers, London: Samuel Manship, act IV, scene 1, page 42

   I’ve known more way made in a woman’s grace By such confederate arts, than could be won By a long siege of amorous enginry, Soft flatteries, sighs, protestings infinite, And all the fervor of impatient love.

   1779, Robert Jephson, The Law of Lombardy, London: T. Evans, act I, scene 1