profession

plural professions

1. A declaration of faith.
   1. lifestyleA promise or vow made on entering a religious order.First known use 12th c.

      She died only a few years after her profession.

      1 more example

      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

   2. The declaration of belief in the principles of a religion; hence, one's faith or religion.First known use 16th c.

      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.

      1780, William Cowper, letter, 12 June

   3. Any declaration of belief, faith or one's opinion, whether genuine or (as now often implied) pretended.First known use 16th c.

      a profession of support

      2 more examples

      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, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], “Presentiment”, in Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, page 126

2. A professional occupation.
   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.First known use 15th c.

      My father was a barrister by profession.

      1 more example

      “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 the only profession for a gentleman.”

      1886, George Bernard Shaw, Cashel Byron’s Profession. […], London: The Modern Press, […], →OCLC, page 4

   2. collectiveThe practitioners of such an occupation collectively.First known use 17th c.

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