I. kri-ˈden(t)-shəl adjective
Date: 15th century
: warranting credit or confidence — used chiefly in the phrase credential letters
II. noun
Date: 1655
1. : something that gives a title to credit or confidence ; also : qualification 3a
2. plural : testimonials or certified documents showing that a person is entitled to credit or has a right to exercise official power
3. : certificate , diploma
III. transitive verb
( -tialed also -tialled ; -tial·ing also -tial·ling )
Date: 1888
: to furnish with credentials
to credential adequate academic performance — K. Patricia Cross