Credence

cre;dence pronunciation: 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 creeddate: 14th century 1 a : mental acceptance as true or real lt;give credence to gossipgt; b : credibility 1 lt;lends credence to the theorygt;2 : credentials —used in the phrase letters of credence3 [middle french, from old italian credenza] : a renaissance sideboard used chiefly for valuable plate4 : a small table where the bread and wine rest before consecrationsynonyms see belief