n. & v.
n. 1 (usu. of a person) a source of honour, pride, etc. (is a credit to the school). 2 the acknowledgement of merit (must give him credit for consistency). 3 a good reputation (his credit stands high). 4 a belief or trust (I place credit in that). b something believable or trustworthy (that statement has credit). 5 a a person's financial standing; the sum of money at a person's disposal in a bank etc. b the power to obtain goods etc. before payment (based on the trust that payment will be made). 6 (usu. in pl.) an acknowledgement of a contributor's services to a film, television programme, etc. 7 a grade above a pass in an examination. 8 a reputation for solvency and honesty in business. 9 a (in bookkeeping) the acknowledgement of being paid by an entry on the credit side of an account. b the sum entered. c the credit side of an account. 10 US a certificate indicating that a student has completed a course.
v.tr. (credited, crediting) 1 believe (cannot credit it). 2 (usu. foll. by to, with) enter on the credit side of an account (credited $20 to him; credited him with $20). credit account Brit. an account with a shop etc. for obtaining goods or services before payment. credit card a card from a bank etc. authorizing the obtaining of goods on credit. credit note a note given by a shop etc. in return for goods returned, stating the value of goods owed to the customer. credit rating an estimate of a person's suitability to receive commercial credit. credit sale the sale of goods on credit. credit title a person's name appearing at the beginning or end of a film or broadcast etc. as an acknowledgement. credit transfer a transfer from one person's bank account to another's. credit a person with ascribe (a good quality) to a person. do credit to (or do a person credit) enhance the reputation of. get credit for be given credit for. give a person credit for 1 enter (a sum) to a person's credit. 2 ascribe (a good quality) to a person. give credit to believe. letter of credit a letter from a banker authorizing a person to draw money up to a specified amount, usu. from another bank. on credit with an arrangement to pay later. to one's credit in one's praise, commendation, or defence (to his credit, he refused the offer).
[ F crédit f. It. credito or L creditum f. credere credit- believe, trust ]