prəˈfest, prōˈ- adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from profes professed + -ed — more at profess
1. : characterized by having taken the vows of a religious order
nine professed nuns, a novice, and two postulants arrived — American Guide Series: Louisiana
2.
a. : openly and freely declared or acknowledged : affirmed
failed in its professed task — T.S.Eliot
b. : avowed with intent to deceive : hypocritical , insincere
3. : professing to be qualified : not amateur : expert
a professed philosopher — John Buchan