Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Profess \Pro*fess"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Professed}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Professing}.] [F. prof[`e]s, masc., professe, fem.,
   professed (monk or nun), L. professus, p. p. of profiteri to
   profess; pro before, forward + fateri to confess, own. See
   {Confess}.]
   1. To make open declaration of, as of one's knowledge,
      belief, action, etc.; to avow or acknowledge; to confess
      publicly; to own or admit freely. ``Hear me profess
      sincerely.'' --Shak.

            The best and wisest of them all professed To know
            this only, that he nothing knew.      --Milton.

Source : WordNet®

professing
     n : an open avowal (true or false) of some belief or opinion; "a
         profession of disagreement" [syn: {profession}]