To make open declaration of; to avow or acknowledge. Let no man who professes himself a christian, keep so heathenish a family as not to see God by daily worshipped in it. They profess that they know God, but in works they deny him. Titus 1:16.

To declare in strong terms. Then will I profess to them, I never knew you. Matthew 7:23.

To make a show of any sentiments by loud declaration. To your professing bosoms I commit him.

To declare publicly one’s skill in any art or science, for inviting employment; as, to profess one’s self a physician; he professes surgery.

To declare friendship.