Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CREED, n. [W. credo; Sax. creda; It. and Sp. credo. This word seems to have been introduced by the use of the Latin credo, I believe, at the beginning of the Apostles' Creed, or brief system of Christian faith. L. credo; W. credu; Corn. credzhi; Arm. cridi; Ir. creidim; It. credere; Sp. creer; Port. crer; Fr. croire; Norm. crere, cruer. The primary sense is probably to throw, or to throw on; or to set, to rest on. See Creed. Class Rd.]

A brief summary of the articles of Christian faith; a symbol; as, the Apostolic creed. That which is believed; any system of principles which are believed or professed; as, a political creed.