Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Diffidence \Dif"fi*dence\, n. [L. diffidentia.]
   1. The state of being diffident; distrust; want of
      confidence; doubt of the power, ability, or disposition of
      others. [Archaic]

            That affliction grew heavy upon me, and weighed me
            down even to a diffidence of God's mercy. --Donne.

   2. Distrust of one's self or one's own powers; lack of
      self-reliance; modesty; modest reserve; bashfulness.

            It is good to speak on such questions with
            diffidence.                           --Macaulay.

            An Englishman's habitual diffidence and awkwardness
            of address.                           --W. Irving.

   Syn: Humility; bashfulness; distrust; suspicion; doubt; fear;
        timidity; apprehension; hesitation. See {Humility}, and
        {Bashfulness}.

Source : WordNet®

diffidence
     n : lack of self-confidence [syn: {self-doubt}, {self-distrust}]
         [ant: {confidence}]