Answer: professes

AnswerCrossword Clue
PROFESSESAvows.
professesTeach (a subject) as a professor
professesBe received into a religious order under vows
professesHave or claim knowledge or skill in (a subject or accomplishment)
professesPROFESS, to affirm openly
professesAffirm one's faith in or allegiance to (a religion or set of beliefs)
professesClaim openly but often falsely that one has (a quality or feeling)