cre·dence 
(krēdns)
(krēdns)n.
1.
a. Acceptance as true or valid; belief: I wouldn't put too much credence in that story. See Synonyms at belief.
b. Credibility; plausibility: "A number of other details ... lend credence to her account" (Jane Mayer).
2. Recommendation; credentials: a letter of credence.
3. A small table or shelf for holding the bread, wine, and vessels of the Eucharist when they are not in use at the altar.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Medieval Latin crēdentia, from Latin crēdēns, crēdent-, present participle of crēdere, to believe; see kerd- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]