profession

noun7

1. •
   an area of paid work that people enter only after learning a great deal about it

   • My father was a barrister by profession.
2. •
   A professional occupation.
3. •
   The practitioners of such an occupation collectively.

   • His conduct is against the established practices of the legal profession.
4. •
   A declaration of faith.
5. •
   The declaration of belief in the principles of a religion; hence, one's faith or religion.
6. •
   Any declaration of belief, faith or one's opinion, whether genuine or (as now often implied) pretended.

   • Despite his continued professions of innocence, the court eventually sentenced him to five years.
7. •
   A promise or vow made on entering a religious order.

   • She died only a few years after her profession.