[U] system of rules governing formal occasions, eg meetings between governments, diplomats, etc; official etiquette 礼仪; 外交礼节: The organizer was familiar with the protocol of royal visits. 组织者熟悉国王出访的礼仪. * The delegates have to be seated according to protocol. 代表们须按礼仪要求就座. * a breach of protocol 违反礼仪的行为. 
[C] (fml 文) first or original draft of a diplomatic agreement, esp of the agreed terms for a treaty （外交条约的）草案, 草约; （尤指）议定的条款, 议定书.