protocol
    n 1: (computer science) rules determining the format and
         transmission of data [syn: protocol, communications
         protocol]
    2: forms of ceremony and etiquette observed by diplomats and
       heads of state
    3: code of correct conduct; "safety protocols"; "academic
       protocol"

Protocol \Pro"to*col\, v. i.
   To make or write protocols, or first draughts; to issue
   protocols. --Carlyle.
   [1913 Webster]

Protocol \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.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. The minutes, or rough draught, of an instrument or
      transaction.
      [1913 Webster]

   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.
          [1913 Webster]

Protocol \Pro"to*col\, v. t.
   To make a protocol of.
   [1913 Webster]

protocol
 n.

    As used by hackers, this never refers to niceties about the proper form for
    addressing letters to the Papal Nuncio or the order in which one should use
    the forks in a Russian-style place setting; hackers don't care about such
    things. It is used instead to describe any set of rules that allow
    different machines or pieces of software to coordinate with each other
    without ambiguity. So, for example, it does include niceties about the
    proper form for addressing packets on a network or the order in which one
    should use the forks in the Dining Philosophers Problem. It implies that
    there is some common message format and an accepted set of primitives or
    commands that all parties involved understand, and that transactions among
    them follow predictable logical sequences. See also handshaking, do
    protocol.

protocol

   A set of formal rules describing how to transmit data,
   especially across a network.  Low level protocols define the
   electrical and physical standards to be observed, bit- and
   byte-ordering and the transmission and error detection and
   correction of the bit stream.  High level protocols deal with
   the data formatting, including the syntax of messages, the
   terminal to computer dialogue, character sets, sequencing of
   messages etc.

   Many protocols are defined by RFCs or by OSI.

   See also handshaking.

   [Jargon File]

   (1995-01-12)

PROTOCOL, civil law, international law. A record or register. Among the 
Romans, protocollunt was a writing at the head of the first page of the 
paper used by the notaries or tabellions. Nov. 44. 
     2. In France the minutes of notarial acts were formerly transcribed on 
registers, which were called protocols. Toull. Dr. Civ. Fr. liv. 3, t. 3, c. 
6, s. 1, n. 413. 
     3. By the German law it signifies the minutes of any transaction. 
Eneye. Amer. Protocol. In the latter sense the word has of late been 
received into international law. Ibid.