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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Diffidence \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]
[1913 Webster]

That affliction grew heavy upon me, and weighed me
down even to a diffidence of God's mercy. --Donne.
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2. Distrust of one's self or one's own powers; lack of
self-reliance; modesty; modest reserve; bashfulness.
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It is good to speak on such questions with
diffidence. --Macaulay.
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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}.
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