The brisk interchange of profanity and folly.
Buckminster.
Pro*fec"tion (?), n. [See Proficient.] A setting out; a going forward;
advance; progression. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.
Pro`fec*ti"tious (?), a. [L. profectitius, fr. proficisci to set out,
proceed.] Proceeding from, as from a parent; derived, as from an
ancestor. [R.]
The threefold distinction of profectitious, adventitious, and
professional was ascertained.
Gibbon.
Pro"fert (?), n. [L., he brings forward, 3d pers. pr. of proferre. See
Proffer. ] (Law) The exhibition or production of a record or paper in
open court, or an allegation that it is in court.
Pro*fess" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Professed (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Professing.] [F. profËs, 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.
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2. To set up a claim to; to make presence to; hence, to put on or
present an appearance of.