Pro*fess" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Professed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Professing.] [F. profes, masc., professe, fem., professed (monk or nun), L. professus, p. p. of profiteri to profess; pro before, forward + fateri to confess, own. See Confess.]
1.
To make open declaration of, as of one's knowledge, belief, action, 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.
2.
To set up a claim to; to make presence to; hence, to put on or present an appearance of.
I do profess to be no less than I seem.
Shak.
3.
To present to knowledge of, to proclaim one's self versed in; to make one's self a teacher or practitioner of, to set up as an authority respecting; to declare (one's self to be such); as, he professes surgery; to profess one's self a physician.
© Webster 1913.
Pro*fess" (?), v. i.
1.
To take a profession upon one's self by a public declaration; to confess.
Drayton.
2.
To declare friendship.
[Obs.]
Shak.
© Webster 1913.