Meanings of much protestation in English

The sheriff, against much protestation, filled his glass from the water bottle.

I believed that, where I would have suspected too much protestation of altruism.

Even after much protestation from McInroe the Crown insisted the assessment be carried out at the Mason Clinic in Auckland, which re-traumatised her again.

"Clap in and clap out" followed, and finally, after much protestation from the girls, but at the earnest solicitation of Mealy Jones, "post-office" started.