diffidence

noun

Etymology: From Latin diffīdentiam (“distrust”), from diffīdere (“to mistrust”), from dis- and fīdere (“to trust”). Attested since ∼1400. The original sense was antonymous with confidence, and the modern sense of ‘distrusting oneself’ dates from the 1650s.

1. The state of being diffident, timid or shy; reticence or self-effacement.

   “Without scruple—without apology—without much apparent diffidence, Mr. Elton, the lover of Harriet, was professing himself her lover.”

   “I have the same diffidence in my feelings that most public speakers have, and am apt to think that others can speak better and more edifying than I can.”

2. Mistrust, distrust, lack of confidence in someone or something.

   “[Charles, King of France]: We have been guided by thee hitherto, And of thy cunning had no diffidence: One sudden foil shall never breed distrust.”

   “[...] [H]ee had brought the Parliment into ſo juſt a diffidence of him, as that they durſt not leave the Public Armes to his diſpoſal [...]”