Definition of "protesting"

Yet in the midst of all her pure protestings, / Her faith, her oaths, her tears and all were jestings.

1599, William Shakespeare (attributed), The Passionate Pilgrim, [Poem 7]

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 graceBy such confederate arts, than could be wonBy 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