Creed (krd), n.
Etymology: [OE. credo, crede, AS. creda, fr. L. credo I believe, at the beginning of the Apostles' creed, fr. credere to believe; akin to OIr. cretin I believe, and Skr. ; crat trust + dh to put. See Do, v. t., and cf. Credo, Grant.]
1. A definite summary of what is believed; esp., a summary of the articles of Christian faith; a confession of faith for public use; esp., one which is brief and comprehensive. In the Protestant system the creed is not coördinate with, but always subordinate to, the Bible. Schaff-Herzog Encyc.
2. Any summary of principles or opinions professed or adhered to. I love him not, nor fear him; there's my creed. Shak. Apostles' creed, Athanasian creed, Nicene creed. See under Apostle, Athanasian, Nicene.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Creed, v. t.
To believe; to credit. [Obs.] That part which is so creeded by the people. Milton.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for creed; he lists it under faith.
Where he writes about it:
A doctrine or dogma is a statement of some one item of belief; a creed is a summary of doctrines or dogmas. — from doctrine
In religion, a doctrine is a statement of belief regarding a single point; a creed is a summary statement of doctrines. — from faith