n. The original copy of any writing, as of a deed, treaty, dispatch, or other instrument.n. The minutes, or rough draught, of an instrument or transaction.n. n. A preliminary document upon the basis of which negotiations are carried on.n. A convention not formally ratified.n. An agreement of diplomatists indicating the results reached by them at a particular stage of a negotiation.v. To make a protocol of.verb-intransitive. To make or write protocols, or first draughts; to issue protocols.