Profession

noun

1. A declaration of belief, faith or one's opinion, whether genuine or pretended.

   "Despite his continued professions of innocence, the court eventually sentenced him to five years."

2. An occupation, trade, craft, or activity in which one has a professed expertise in a particular area; a job, especially one requiring a high level of skill or training.

   "My father was a barrister by profession."

3. The practitioners of such an occupation collectively.

   "His conduct is against the established practices of the legal profession."

4. A promise or vow made on entering a religious order.

   "She died only a few years after her profession."