\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 address.                           --W. Irving.
Syn: Humility; bashfulness; distrust; suspicion; doubt; fear;
     timidity; apprehension; hesitation. See {Humility}, and
     {Bashfulness}.