1. A document or other evidence that proves one’s authority or expertise.
2. A testimonial that a person is entitled to credit or to the right to exercise official power.
3. The letter of credence given to an ambassador or other representative of a foreign country.
4. Parliamentary law. Evidence of a delegate’s entitle-ment to be seated and vote in a convention or other deliberative assembly. • Before the meeting begins, the evidence usu. takes the form of a certificate or proof of election or appointment, which the delegate presents to a credentials committee so that the committee can list the delegate on its roster. During the meeting, the evidence usu. takes the form of a badge or card that the credentials committee issues to each delegate on its roster. See credentials committee under COMMITTEE. — credential, vb.
