WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Cre*den"tial (kr-dn"shal)
Part of Speech : a.
Etymology : [Cf. It. credenziale, fr. LL. credentia. See Credence.]
Definition : Defn: Giving a title or claim to credit or confidence; accrediting. Their credential letters on both sides. Camden.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Cre*den"tial
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [Cf. It. credenziale.]
Definition : 1. That which gives a title to credit or confidence.

2. pl.

Defn: Testimonials showing that a person is entitled to credit, or has right to exercise official power, as the letters given by a government to an ambassador or envoy, or a certificate that one is a duly elected delegate. The committee of estates excepted against the credentials of the English commissioners. Whitelocke. Had they not shown undoubted credentials from the Divine Person who sent them on such a message. Addison.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913