VOCATION
career, calling, vocation
(noun) the particular occupation for which you are trained
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
vocation (countable and uncountable, plural vocations)
An inclination to undertake a certain kind of work, especially a religious career; often in response to a perceived summons; a calling.
An occupation for which a person is suited, trained or qualified.
Hypernyms
• job
• labour
• occupation
• work
Source: Wiktionary
Vo*ca"tion, n. Etym: [L. vocatio a bidding, invitation, fr. vocare to
call, fr. vox, vocis, voice: cf. F. vocation. See Vocal.]
1. A call; a summons; a citation; especially, a designation or
appointment to a particular state, business, or profession.
What can be urged for them who not having the vocation of poverty to
scribble, out of mere wantonness make themselves ridiculous Dryden.
2. Destined or appropriate employment; calling; occupation; trade;
business; profession.
He would think his service greatly rewarded, if he might obtain by
that means to live in the sight of his prince, and yet practice his
own chosen vocation. Sir. P. Sidney.
3. (Theol.)
Definition: A calling by the will of God. Specifically: --
(a) The bestowment of God's distinguishing grace upon a person or
nation, by which that person or nation is put in the way of
salvation; as, the vocation of the Jews under the old dispensation,
and of the Gentiles under the gospel. "The golden chain of vocation,
election, and justification." Jer. Taylor.
(b) A call to special religious work, as to the ministry.
Every member of the same [the Church], in his vocation and ministry.
Bk. of Com. Prayer.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition