What does "credence" mean?

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

Additional senses

  1. 2.(Eccl.) The small table by the side of the altar or communion table, on which the bread and wine are placed before being consecrated.
  2. 3.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.
  3. 4.To give credence to; to believe. [Obs.]

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