The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word AVER
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
A
V
E
R
More clues leading to the result AVER
- Grave robber’s concealed state
- Declare a cleric briefly is uplifted
- State in America — Vermont?
- Claim a clergyman's backing
- A rebellious vicar’s protest
- Declare a vicar has turned up
- State party joiner leader shunned
- Swear it’ll be found in Faversham
- Prove to be true when party’s leader falls
- State slavery not clever
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "protest" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case protest = aver.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does AVER mean?
AVER verb- To assert the truth of, to affirm with confidence; to declare in a positive manner.
- To prove or justify a plea.
- To avouch, prove, or verify; to offer to verify.
- Possessions, property, belongings, wealth.
- A work-horse, working ox, or other beast of burden.