1claim, often falsely, that one has (a quality or feeling):he had professed his love for her only to walk away [with infinitive]:I don’t profess to be an expert [with complement]: (profess oneself)he professed himself amazed at the boy’s ability
archaic have or claim knowledge or skill in (a subject or accomplishment):though knowing little of the arts I professed, he proved a natural adept
2affirm one’s faith in or allegiance to (a religion or set of beliefs):a people professing Christianity
(be professed) be received into a religious order under vows:she entered St Margaret’s Convent, and was professed in 1943
3 archaic or humorous teach (a subject) as a professor:a professor—what does he profess?
