O.E. creda "article or statement of Christian belief," from L. credo "I believe," perhaps from PIE *kerd-dhe- "to believe," lit. "heart to put" (cf. O.Ir. cretim, Ir. creidim, Welsh credu, Skt. crad-dadhami). The first word of the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds, broadening 17c. to mean "any statement of