profess

 
Pronunciation: /prəˈfɛs/

verb

[with object]
  • 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?

Origin:

Middle English (as be professed 'be received into a religious order'): from Latin profess- 'declared publicly', from the verb profiteri, from pro- 'before' + fateri 'confess'