scepter

especially British, scep·tre

[sep-ter]

noun

1. a rod or wand borne in the hand as an emblem of regal or imperial power.

2. royal or imperial power or authority; sovereignty.

verb (used with object)

1. to give a scepter to; invest with authority.

Other Word Forms

• scepterless adjective
• sceptral adjective
• unsceptered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scepter¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English (s)ceptre, from Old French, from Latin scēptrum, from Greek skêptron “staff”; akin to shaft

Example Sentences

Moments later he returned with a fishing pole, which he placed in her hands like a scepter.

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Maleficent, with scepter in hand, will ascend to a height of 35 feet.

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It holds a serpent scepter evoking the crack of lightning on one side, and a tiny water jug on the other.

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While she holds her cedarwood scepter close to her heart, she says that she also hopes to lead by example and inspire other Chatina women to follow her path.

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Charles was presented with a scepter, sword of state and the crown first worn at a coronation by Mary Queen of Scots in 1543.

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