noun.
Professional status, methods, character, or standards.
noun.
The use of professional performers, as in athletics or in the arts.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
noun.
The characteristics, ideas, or methods of professional persons; that which savors of a professional, especially when so marked as to become objectionable or offensive: specifically used of athletic sports, etc., opposed to the methods or work of amateurs.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
noun.
The following of a profession, sport, etc., as an occupation; -- opposed to amateurism.
noun.
The status, methods, character or standards expected of a professional or of a professional organization, such as reliability, discretion, evenhandedness, and fair play.
noun.
The use of professionals rather than amateurs in any sport etc.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
noun.
the expertness characteristic of a professional person
Word Usage
"I understand the term professionalism played a large part in the early stages of this fiasco, which is almost too shocking to be believed."