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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Protester, -or, n. [17th c. Eng. protester (1601), f. Protest v. Cf. 16th c. Eng. protestour (1550), obs. F. protesteur.] A name given to the remonstrators (q.v., one of those Presbyterians who in 1650 opposed co-operation with the Royalists) in consequence of their refusal to recognize the General Assemblies of 1651 and 1652. See also Protestator n. — 1660 in Wodrow Hist. I Introd. 12.
That it may be they were mistaken for some of their brethren the Protesters to whom … the King's return is matter for terror 1669 Jus Populi 320, 321.
We hope that those few will be so far from intertaining their former prejudices against their … brethern, who withstood these resolutions, and owned the protestations; that … perceiving themselves mistaken as to what they feared, concerning the Protesters [etc.] c1680 W. Row Blair 286.
Those that are commonly called Protesters … fell to debating, stating, and voicing of some questions. The first was [etc.] Ib. 360, etc.
Especially betwixt the King and Protesters or Remonstrators 1693 Apol. Clergy Scotl. 78.
They pretend … that the generality of the Godly did adhere to the Protestors