When you say 'credenza' are you speaking Italian?

'Credenza' is a word borrowed from Italian 'credenza'. The word entered the English language some time around 1880.

credenza [noun] [1880]

• credence
• a sideboard, buffet, or bookcase patterned after a Renaissance
• one without legs

Meaning: credence 3; a sideboard; buffet; or bookcase patterned after a Renaissance credence; one without legs.

Etymology: Italian; literally; belief; confidence; from Medieval Latin credentia.

Topics: Household:Furniture.

Origin: From Italian to Latin to English.

note: From the Italian credenza meaning belief trust or confidence which derives from the Medieval Latin credentia and Latin credere (to believe). It refers to the 16th-century Italian practice of placing food on a sideboard to be tasted by servants for poison before serving it to nobles symbolizing trust in the food's safety.

See 'credenza' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Italian.

See more loan words from 1800s.