Part 570

Pro*fess"or (?), n. [L., a teacher, a public teacher: cf. F. professeur. See Profess.] 1. One who professed, or makes open declaration of, his sentiments or opinions; especially, one who makes a public avowal of his belief in the Scriptures and his faith in Christ, and thus unites himself to the visible church. "Professors of religion." Bacon.

2. One who professed, or publicly teaches, any science or branch of learning; especially, an officer in a university, college, or other seminary, whose business it is to read lectures, or instruct students, in a particular branch of learning; as a professor of theology, of botany, of mathematics, or of political economy.

Pro`fes*so"ri*al (?), a. [L. professorius: cf. F. professorial.] Of or pertaining to a professor; as, the professional chair; professional interest.

Pro`fes*so"ri*al*ism (?), n. The character, manners, or habits of a professor. [R.]

Pro`fes*so"ri*at (?), n. See Professoriate.

Pro`fes*so"ri*ate (?), n. 1. The body of professors, or the professorial staff, in a university or college.

2. A professorship.

Pro*fess"or*ship (?), n. The office or position of a professor, or public teacher. Walton.

Pro*fes"so*ry (?), a. [L. professorius.] Of or pertaining to a professor; professorial. [R.] Bacon.

Prof"fer (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Proffered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Proffering.] [OE. profren, proferen, F. profÈrer, fr. L. proferre to bring forth or forward, to offer; pro forward + ferre to bring. See Bear to produce.] 1. To offer for acceptance; to propose to give; to make a tender of; as, to proffer a gift; to proffer services; to proffer friendship. Shak.

I reck not what wrong that thou me profre.

Chaucer.

2. To essay or attempt of one's own accord; to undertake, or propose to undertake. [R.] Milton.

Prof"fer, n. 1. An offer made; something proposed for acceptance by another; a tender; as, proffers of peace or friendship.

He made a proffer to lay down his commission.

Clarendon.

2. Essay; attempt. [R.] Bacon.

Prof"fer*er (?), n. One who proffers something.

{ Pro*fi"cience (?), Pro*fi"cien*cy (?) }, n. The quality of state of being proficient; advance in the acquisition of any art, science, or knowledge; progression in knowledge; improvement; adeptness; as, to acquire proficiency in music.

Pro*fi"cient (?), n. [L. proficiens, -entis, p. pr. of proficere to go forward, make progress; pro forward + facere to make. See Fact, and cf. Profit, (&?;)] One who has made considerable advances in any business, art, science, or branch of learning; an expert; an adept; as, proficient in a trade; a proficient in mathematics, music, etc.

Pro*fi"cient (?), a. Well advanced in any branch of knowledge or skill; possessed of considerable acquirements; well-skilled; versed; adept,

Pro*fi"cient*ly, adv. In a proficient manner.

Pro*fic"u*ous (?), a. [L. proficuus.] Profitable; advantageous; useful. [Obs.] Harvey.

Pro"file (?), n. [It. profilo, fr. L. pro before + filum a thread, an outline, shape: cf. F. profil. See File arow, and cf. Purfle, Purl, a fringe.] 1. An outline, or contour; as, the profile of an apple.

2. (Paint & Sculp.) A human head represented sidewise, or in a side view; the side face or half face.

3. (a) (Arch.) A section of any member, made at right angles with its main lines, showing the exact shape of moldings and the like. (b) (Civil Engin.) A drawing exhibiting a vertical section of the ground along a surveyed line, or graded work, as of a railway, showing elevations, depressions, grades, etc.

Profile paper (Civil Engin.), paper ruled with vertical and horizontal lines forming small oblong rectangles, adapted for drawing profiles.

Pro"file, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Profiled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Profiling] [Cf. F. profiler, It. profilare. See Profile, n.] 1. to draw the outline of; to draw in profile, as an architectural member.