Credence

n. [L. Lat. credentia, from Lat. credens, p. pr. of credere, to trust, believe; It. credenza, Pr. credense, creansa. See CREDENT and CREANCE.]

1Sense 1. Reliance of the mind on evidence of facts derived from other sources than personal knowledge, as from the testimony of others; belief; credit. “To give credence to the Scripture miracles.” Trench.

2Sense 2. That which gives a claim to credit, belief, or confidence; as, a letter of credence.

He left his credence to make good the rest. Tyndale.

3Sense 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. Oxf. Gloss.