diffidence

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)The state of being diffident, timid or shy; reticence or self-effacement.

   “Without scruple—without apology—without much apparent diffidence, Mr. Elton, the lover of Harriet, was professing himself her lover.”

   “I have the same diffidence in my feelings that most public speakers have, and am apt to think that others can speak better and more edifying than I can.”

   “"I was passing by," he began to stammer, trembling with his diffidence, "I—happened to be passing along this way, and so—er—as I was passing this way, I says to myself, says I, 'I'll just stop into the shop a minute.'”

   “And Rick with unwonted diffidence had accepted his exclusion. Now with the same diffidence he came, looking trim and loving and mysteriously humble.”

2. (countable, obsolete, uncountable)Mistrust, distrust, lack of confidence in someone or something.

   “[Charles, King of France]: We have been guided by thee hitherto, And of thy cunning had no diffidence: One sudden foil shall never breed distrust.”

   “[...] [H]ee had brought the Parliment into ſo juſt a diffidence of him, as that they durſt not leave the Public Armes to his diſpoſal [...]”

   “I have no diffidence of your abilities—only be constant to one roguery at a time”