n. [ LL. credentia, fr. L. credens, -entis, p. pr. of credere to trust, believe: cf. OF. credence. See Creed, and cf. Credent, Creance. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Reliance of the mind on evidence of facts derived from other sources than personal knowledge; belief; credit; confidence. [ 1913 Webster ]

To give credence to the Scripture miracles. Trench. [ 1913 Webster ]

An assertion which might easily find credence. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which gives a claim to credit, belief, or confidence; as, a letter of credence. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Eccl.) The small table by the side of the altar or communion table, on which the bread and wine are placed before being consecrated. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A cupboard, sideboard, or cabinet, particularly one intended for the display of rich vessels or plate, and consisting chiefly of open shelves for that purpose. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To give credence to; to believe. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n.; pl. Credenda [ L., fr. credere to believe. ] (Theol.) A thing to be believed; an article of faith; -- distinguished from agendum, a practical duty. [ 1913 Webster ]

The great articles and credenda of Christianity. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ . credens, -entis, p. pr. of credere to trust, believe. See Creed. ] 1. Believing; giving credence; credulous. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

If with too credent ear you list songs. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Having credit or authority; credible. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

For my authority bears of a credent bulk. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. It. credenziale. ] 1. That which gives a title to credit or confidence. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. pl. Testimonials showing that a person is entitled to credit, or has right to exercise official power, as the letters given by a government to an ambassador or envoy, or a certificate that one is a duly elected delegate. [ 1913 Webster ]

The committee of estates excepted against the credentials of the English commissioners. Whitelocke. [ 1913 Webster ]

Had they not shown undoubted credentials from the Divine Person who sent them on such a message. Addison.

a. [ Cf. It. credenziale, fr. LL. credentia. See Credence. ] Giving a title or claim to credit or confidence; accrediting. [ 1913 Webster ]

Their credential letters on both sides. Camden. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. having an official document certifying fitness for a particular task.
Syn. -- certificated, documented. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. 1. a credence{ 3 }.
Syn. -- credence. [ PJC ]

2. a buffet or sideboard similar to a credence{ 4 }, especially one without legs. MW10 [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. [ Cf. F. crédibilité. ] The quality of being credible; credibleness; as, the credibility of facts; the credibility of witnesses. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. credibilis, fr. credere. See Creed. ] Capable of being credited or believed; worthy of belief; entitled to confidence; trustworthy. [ 1913 Webster ]

Things are made credible either by the known condition and quality of the utterer or by the manifest likelihood of truth in themselves. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ]

A very diligent and observing person, and likewise very sober and credible. Dampier. [ 1913 Webster ]