Pro"to*col (?), n. [F. protocole, LL. protocollum, fr. Gr. &?; the first leaf glued to the rolls of papyrus and the notarial documents, on which the date was written; prw^tos the first (see Proto-) + &?; glue.] 1. The original copy of any writing, as of a deed, treaty, dispatch, or other instrument. Burrill.

2. The minutes, or rough draught, of an instrument or transaction.

3. (Diplomacy) (a) A preliminary document upon the basis of which negotiations are carried on. (b) A convention not formally ratified. (c) An agreement of diplomatists indicating the results reached by them at a particular stage of a negotiation.

Pro"to*col, v. t. To make a protocol of.

Pro"to*col, v. i. To make or write protocols, or first draughts; to issue protocols. Carlyle.

• A rule which guides how an activity should be performed.
  
• The original copy of any writing, as of a deed, treaty, dispatch, or other instrument.
  
• The minutes, or rough draft, of an instrument or transaction.
  
• (diplomacy): A preliminary document upon the basis of which negotiations are carried on.
  
• (diplomacy): A convention not formally ratified.
  
• (diplomacy): An agreement of diplomatists indicating the results reached by them at a particular stage of a negotiation.
  
• (obsolete), (transitive): To make a protocol of.
  
• (obsolete), (intransitive): To make or write protocols, or first drafts; to issue protocols.