Cre"dence (krē"dens),
n. [LL. credentia, fr. L.
credens, -entis, p. pr. of credere to trust,
believe: cf. OF. credence. See Creed, and cf.
Credent, Creance.]
1. Reliance of the mind on evidence of
facts derived from other sources than personal knowledge; belief;
credit; confidence.
To give credence to the Scripture
miracles.
Trench.
An assertion which might easily find
credence.
Macaulay.
2. That which gives a claim to credit,
belief, or confidence; as, a letter of credence.
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.
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.
Cre"dence, v. t. To give
credence to; to believe. [Obs.]