n. 1 a vocation or calling, esp. one that involves some branch of advanced learning or science (the medical profession). 2 a body of people engaged in a profession. 3 a declaration or avowal. 4 a declaration of belief in a religion. 5 a the declaration or vows made on entering a religious order. b the ceremony or fact of being professed in a religious order. the oldest profession colloq. or joc. prostitution. professionless adj.
[ ME f. OF f. L professio -onis (as PROFESS) ]