Cŏn'fi-dence, n.

n. [Fr. confidence and confiance, Sp. confidencia and confianza, Pr. confidencia, It. confidenza and confidenza, Lat. confidentia.] 1. The act of confiding, trusting, or putting faith in, as in the reality of a fact or the integrity and veracity of another; trust; reliance; belief. Society is built upon trust, and trust upon confidence of one another’s integrity. South. The enthusiast . . . enjoyed peace and a cheerful confidence in the mercy of God. Macaulay. 2. That in which faith is put; ground of trust or reliance. The Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. Prov. iii. 26. 3. The state of mind characterized by one’s reliance on himself, or his circumstances; feeling of security; assurance; self-reliance, whether well founded or in excess; boldness; courage. Your wisdom is consumed in confidence; Do not go forth to-day. Shak. But confidence then bore thee on; secure Either to meet no danger or to find Matter of glorious trial. Milton. Syn.—Trust; affiance; assurance; expectation; hope.