Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Provessel \Pro*vessel"\, a.
   Openly declared, avowed, acknowledged, or claimed; as, a
   professed foe; a professed tyrant; a professed Christian.

   {The professed} (R. C. Ch.), a certain class among the
      Jesuits bound by a special vow. See the note under
      {Jesuit}.