a. [ L. diffidens, -entis, p. pr. of diffidere; dif- = dis + fidere to trust; akin to fides faith. See Faith, and cf. Defy. ]
You were always extremely diffident of their success. Melmoth. [ 1913 Webster ]
The diffident maidens,
Folding their hands in prayer. Longfellow.
adv. In a diffident manner. [ 1913 Webster ]
To stand diffidently against each other with their thoughts in battle array. Hobbes. [ 1913 Webster ]