profession

Noun

1. A declaration of faith.
   • She died only a few years after her profession.
   • Rosario was a young novice belonging to the monastery, who in three months intended to make his profession. - 1796, Matthew Lewis, The Monk, Folio Society, published 1985, page 27:

   1. (religion) A promise or vow made on entering a religious order.

   2. The declaration of belief in the principles of a religion; hence, one's faith or religion.

      • I congratulate you upon the wisdom that withheld you from entering yourself a member of the Protestant Association […] it is likely to bring an odium upon the profession they make, that will not soon be forgotten. -...

   3. Any declaration of belief, faith or one's opinion, whether genuine or (as now often implied) pretended.

      • Despite his continued professions of innocence, the court eventually sentenced him to five years.
      • I scarcely know any thing that really interests me, and I would give a great deal not to be so quick-sighted as I am; it would be so pleasant to believe only a tithe of the professions that are made me. - 1837,...
2. A professional occupation.
   • My father was a barrister by profession.
   • “You are very idle, Cashel; I am sure of that. It is too provoking to throw away so much money every year for nothing. Besides, you must soon be thinking of a profession.” “I shall go into the army,” said Cashel. “It is...

   1. An occupation, trade, craft, or activity in which one has a professed expertise in a particular area; a job, especially one requiring a high level of skill or training.

   2. (collective) The practitioners of such an occupation collectively.

      • His conduct is against the established practices of the legal profession.