Definition of "credit"

How shall they credit A poor unlearned virgin?

c. 1604–1605 (date written), William Shakespeare, “All’s Well, that Ends Well”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act I, scene iii]

[T]he Heart that is conscious of its own integrity is ever slowest to credit another's Treachery.

1777, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, The School for Scandal, IV.iii

She said quite naturally, as if nothing had happened, “I want you to go back home, Victor darling. You mustn’t worry about me any more.”’ Victor told me he could hardly credit it, at first, that she could stand there and say this to him.

1952, Daphne du Maurier, “Monte Verità”, in The Apple Tree

You credit the church as much by your government as you did the school formerly by your wit.

1692–1717, Robert South, Twelve Sermons Preached upon Several Occasions, 6th edition, volumes (please specify |volume=I to VI), London: […] J[ames] Bettenham, for Jonah Bowyer, […], published 1727

When Jonathan and the people heard these words they gave no credit into them, nor received them.

1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], 1 Maccabees 10:46

John Gilpin was a citizen Of credit and renown, A train-band Captain eke was he Of famous London town.

1782, William Cowper, “The Diverting History of John Gilpin, […]”, in The Task, a Poem, […], London: […] J[oseph] Johnson; […], published 1785, page 343

The admirable smoothness of the riding also reflected the greatest credit on those who, despite the difficulties caused by the shortage of men and materials, have succeeded in maintaining the track in such first-class order.

1946 July and August, Cecil J. Allen, “British Locomotive Practice and Performance”, in Railway Magazine, page 213

"I've got to give credit to Van Persie, it was a great goal. We didn't mean to give them chances but they're a good team."

2011 December 10, David Ornstein quoting David Moyes, “Arsenal 1 - 0 Everton”, in BBC Sport‎

You have to give director Colm McCarthy, a Scottish TV veteran making his feature film debut, and writer Mike Carey, adapting his own novel, credit for attempting the seemingly impossible task of doing something new with the zombie subgenre.

2017 February 23, Katie Rife, “The Girl With All The Gifts tries to put a fresh spin on overripe zombie clichés”, in The Onion AV Club‎

2020 November 1, Alan Young, “His first major acting credit came in 1957 British gangster film No Road Back.”, in The Scotsman‎

I published, because I was told I might please such as it was a credit to please.

1836, Henry Francis Cary, The Poetical Works of Alexander Pope.: The Author's Preface

Aside from the fact that she means nearly ten million credits investment, which no one will insure on this trip, there will necessarily be seventy-three men aboard.

1934 December, John W. Campbell, Jr., “The Mightiest Machine”, in Astounding Stories, volume XIV, number 4, Street & Smith, page 12

The standard credit was established by the Citadel's Unified Banking Act as the currency of interstellar trade. The credit has a managed floating exchange rate, calculated in real time by the central bank to maintain the average value of all participating currencies. Some regional currencies are worth more than a credit and some less.

2008, BioWare, Mass Effect, Redwood City: Electronic Arts, PC, scene: Credits ("Creds") Codex entry

"First the Patrons wipe-out our home world, now you blow any chance of us making any credits," Kane said in his gruff sinking voice.

2016, A.K. Brown, Jumpstart (Champagne Universe Series: Book 1), page 19

Facebook Credits are a virtual currency used only on Facebook that debuted in May 2009. Ten credits are equal to one dollar. Facebook keeps 30% of all Facebook Credit transactions.

2012, Brian Carter, Justin Levy, Facebook Marketing, Que Publishing, page 178