[ krɪ'dɛnʃ(ə)l ]
■ noun
1》 a qualification, achievement, etc., especially when used to indicate a person's suitability for something.
2》 a letter of introduction given by a government to an ambassador before a new posting.
Derivatives
~ed adjective ( chiefly N. Amer. ).
Origin
ME (as an adjective): from med. L. ~is , from credentia (see credence ).