Dif″fi‐dent (?), a. [L. diffidens, -entis, p. pr. of diffidere; dif- = dis + fidere to trust; akin to fides faith. See Faith, and cf. Defy.] 1. Wanting confidence in others; distrustful.
You were always extremely diffident of their success. Melmoth.
2. Wanting confidence in one's self; distrustful of one's own powers; not self-reliant; timid; modest; bashful; characterized by modest reserve.
The diffident maidens,
Folding their hands in prayer. Longfellow.
Syn. — Distrustful; suspicious; hesitating; doubtful; modest; bashful; lowly; reserved.