Definition of: profess

(prə·fes′) v.t.
1. To declare openly; avow; affirm.
2. To assert, usually insincerely; make a pretense of: to profess remorse.
3. To declare or affirm faith in: to profess Taoism.
4. To claim skill or learning in; have as one's profession: to profess the law.
5. To receive into a religious order.
—v.i.
6. To make open declaration; avow; offer public affirmation.
7. To take the vows of a religious order. See synonyms under ACKNOWLEDGE, AVOW, PRETEND. [<OF professe, fem. of profes bound by a vow <L professus, pp. of profiteri avow, confess <pro- before + fateri confess]