n.
  - 
(N. Amer. also full professor)
 a university academic of the highest rank; the holder of a university chair. 
▸N. Amer. a university teacher.
 - a person who affirms a faith in or allegiance to something.
 
 
  Derivative
  
    - professorate n.
  - professorial adj.
  - professorially adv.
  - professoriate n.
  - professorship n.
 
   
  Etymology
  ME: from L. professor, from profess-, profiteri (see profess).