Answer: professed

AnswerCrossword Clue
PROFESSEDAvowed
professed(of a quality, feeling, or belief) Claimed or asserted openly but often falsely
professedClaiming to be qualified as a particular specialist; professional
professed(of a person) Self-acknowledged or openly declared to be
professedPROFESS, to affirm openly
professed(of a monk or nun) Having taken the vows of a religious order