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.
Phrases and idioms:
the oldest profession colloq. or joc. prostitution.
Derivatives:
professionless adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. L professio -onis (as PROFESS)