Credence (krdens), n.
Etymology: [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. Macualay.
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.
1 more senses
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.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Credence, v. t.
To give credence to; to believe. [Obs.]
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for credence; he lists it under faith.
Where he writes about it:
We give credence to a report, assent to a proposition or to a proposal. — from faith
Belief is stronger than credence; credence might be described as a prima facie belief; credence is a more formal word than belief, and seems to imply somewhat more of volition; we speak of giving credence to a report, but not of giving belief. — from faith