Professor. (1) One who professes or makes open and public declaration of his sentiments, opinions, belief, etc. (2) One who makes a public profession of religion in those churches where such a rule prevails instead of confirmation. (3) One who teaches any art, science, or branch of learning; specifically a person appointed in a university, college, etc., to deliver lectures and instruct the students in any particular branch of learning; as, a professor of Greek, a professor of theology, etc. By common use, the title professor has become greatly abused, and is assumed, not only by teachers of music, dancing, drawing, etc., but even by quacks, conjurers, teachers of boxing, animal trainers, etc.


Entry from Everybody's Cyclopedia, 1912.