Answer:

profess

Answer	Crossword Clue
PROFESS	Avow
PROFESS	Declare openly
PROFESS	Affirm

PROFESS	Maintain
PROFESS	Declare openly.
PROFESS	Declare publicly.
PROFESS	Avow.
PROFESS	Claim
PROFESS	Claim openly
PROFESS	Openly state
PROFESS	Affirm openly

PROFESS	Declare
PROFESS	Assert openly

Crossword

a puzzle consisting of a grid of squares and blanks into which words crossing vertically and horizontally are written according to clues.