Diffidence — Defs

01 n. The state of being diffident; distrust; want of confidence; doubt of the power, ability, or disposition of others.

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.