Main Entry: cre·dence

Pronunciation: \ˈkrē-d^ən(t)s\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin credentia, from Latin credent-, credens, present participle of credere to believe, trust — more at creed

Date: 14th century

1 a : mental acceptance as true or real <give credence to gossip> b : credibility 1 <lends credence to the theory>
2 : credentials —used in the phrase letters of credence
3 [Middle French, from Old Italian credenza] : a Renaissance sideboard used chiefly for valuable plate
4 : a small table where the bread and wine rest before consecration

synonyms see belief