Oldest profession (phrase) called “the oldest profession in the world", a profession which is carried on in Piccadilly, Regent street, and other parts of London with great energy every night … In the same year the "Pall Mall Gazette" reported a speech in which "Mrs. Ormiston Chant … implored us to stand shoulder to shoulder and destroy what Kipling has called 'the oldest profession in the world'". The phrase was frequently used as a euphemism when delicacy forbade direct reference to prostitution. Kipling was not the first to employ the phrase "the most ancient profession" in an opprobrious sense. The Irish poet Henry
Profession of the supreme pontiff (Council of Basel) Profession of the supreme pontiff (Council of Basel) The Council at Basel decreed, in its 23rd session (26 March 1436) that anyone elected Pope should make, as a condition for his election to be valid, the "profession of the supreme pontiff", a formula declaring recognition of the Council as a "General Council" that it drew up specifically for that purpose. What the formula that each cardinal, meeting in conclave, was called upon to swear, declaring: "I shall not make obeisance to anyone elected as pontiff before he takes the "oath" prescribed by this council of Basel", refers to as an