Dif"fi*dence (?), n. [L. diffidentia.]
1.
The state of being diffident; distrust; want of confidence; doubt of the power, ability, or disposition of others.
[Archaic]
That affliction grew heavy upon me, and weighed me down even to a diffidence of God's mercy.
Donne.
2.
Distrust of one's self or one's own powers; lack of self-reliance; modesty; modest reserve; bashfulness.
It is good to speak on such questions with diffidence.
Macaulay.
An Englishman's habitual diffidence and awkwardness of adress.
W. Irving.
Syn. -- Humility; bashfulness; distrust; suspicion; doubt; fear; timidity; apprehension; hesitation. See Humility, and Bashfulness.
© Webster 1913.