diffidence

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.

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 [...]