credence Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun the mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true
acceptance.
- he gave credence to the gossip
- acceptance of Newtonian mechanics was unquestioned for 200 years
noun a kind of sideboard or buffet
credenza.

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

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. Macualay.
That which gives a claim to credit, belief, or confidence; as, a letter of credence.
(Eccl.) The small table by the side of the altar or communion table, on which the bread and wine are placed before being consecrated.
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.