To declare or admit openly or freely; affirm. She professed her love for him in front of everyone.
To claim or pretend to have a particular quality or feeling. He professed ignorance of the whole affair.
To take vows in a religious order. She professed as a nun after years of contemplation.
To teach (a subject) as a professor at a university or college. Dr. Carter has professed chemistry at the university for more than a decade.