pro ‧ fess /prəˈfes/ BrE AmE verb [transitive] formal
[ Date: 1400-1500 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: professus , past participle of profiteri 'to profess, confess' ]
1 . to say that you do, are etc something, especially when it is not really true
profess to do/be something
The government professes to care about the poor.
He professed to be an expert on Islamic art.
2 . profess your innocence to say that you did not do something bad, especially a crime:
In court, the man was still professing his innocence.
3 . to state a personal feeling or belief openly:
He finally made up his mind to profess his love for her.
profess yourself (to be) something
He professed himself satisfied with the results.
4 . to have a religion or belief:
Matt professed no religion.