Search the Dictionary

tion, etc.; to avow or acknowledge; to confess publicly; to own or admit freely. "Hear me profess sincerely." Shak. The best and wisest of them all professed To know this only, that he nothing knew. Milton.

Openly declared, avowed, acknowledged, or claimed; as, a professed foe; a professed tyrant; a professed Christian. The professed (R. C. Ch.) , a certain class among the Jesuits bound by a special vow. See the note under Jesuit.

By profession.

The act of professing or claiming; open declaration; public avowal or acknowledgment; as, professions of friendship; a profession of faith. A solemn vow, promise, and profession. Bk. of Com. Prayer.

Of or pertaining to a profession, or calling; conforming to the rules or standards of a profession; following a profession; as, professional knowledge; professional conduct. "Pride, not personal, but professional." Macaulay. "A professional sneerer." De Quincey.

The following of a profession, sport, etc., as an occupation; - - opposed to Ant: amateurism.

professional person. [R.]

In a professional manner or capacity; by profession or calling; in the exercise of one's profession; one employed professionally.

One who professed, or makes open declaration of, his sentiments or opinions; especially, one who makes a public avowal of his belief in the Scriptures and his faith in Christ, and thus unites himself to the visible church. "Professors of religion." Bacon.

Of or pertaining to a professor; as, the professional chair; professional interest.

The character, manners, or habits of a professor. [R.]

See Professoriate.

The body of professors, or the professorial staff, in a university or college.

The office or position of a professor, or public teacher. Walton.

Of or pertaining to a professor; professorial. [R.] Bacon.

To renounce the profession or pursuit of. His arms, which he had vowed to disprofess. Spenser.

Foreign to a profession; not within the ordinary limits of professional duty or business.

To make a false profession; to make pretensions to skill which is not possessed.

Not belonging to a profession; not done by, or proceeding from, professional men; contrary to professional usage.

renunciation or repudiation. [Obs.] An abrenunciation of that truth which he so long had professed, and still believed. Fuller.