DIFFIDENT
Dif"fi*dent, a. Etym: [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. [Archaic] 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.
DIFFIDENTLY
Dif"fi*dent*ly, adv.
Defn: In a diffident manner. To stand diffidently against each other with their thoughts in battle array. Hobbes.
DIFFIND Dif*find, v. t. Etym: [L. diffindere, diffissum; dif- = findere to split.]
Defn: To split. [Obs.] Bailey.
DIFFINE
Dif*fine", v. t.
Defn: To define. [Obs.] Chaucer.