credential

Etymology

From Medieval Latin crēdentiālis (“giving authority”), from Latin crēdentia (“trust”).

adj

1. Pertaining to or serving as an introduction or recommendation (to someone).
   their credential letters on both sides 1625-1629, Abraham Darcie/Darcy and Thomas Browne (translators), The History of the Most Renowned and Victorious Princess Elizabeth, Late Queen of England (originally by William Camden)

noun

1. (chiefly in the plural) documentary or electronic evidence that a person has certain status or privileges
   May I see your credentials, please?
   The computer verifies the user's credentials before allowing them to log on.
2. (informal) Evidence of skill or excellence.
   They deserved their half-time lead and looked fully in control until Brazil made changes at the break and began to show their credentials in attack. April 6 2023, Emma Sanders, “Women's Finalissima:England beat Brazil in dramatic shutout”, in BBC Sport

verb

1. to furnish with credentials
   School superintendents, principals, and teachers are currently credentialed only by the state. 1997, Paul Thomas Hill et al., Reinventing Public Education, page 138
   The newly credentialled ambassador to the Holy See is already in the PM's good books. March 7, 2009, By Patrick Walters, “Rudd orders worldwide push for UN seat”, in Herald Sun