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.
[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.
© Webster 1913.