scepter

American  

[sep-ter] / ˈsɛp tər /

especially British, sceptre

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.

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verb (used with object)

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

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unsceptered
  adjective
• scepterless
  adjective
• sceptral
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of scepter

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

Explanation

A scepter is a ceremonial staff, often used by kings. With its jewels and ornamentation, a scepter is a symbol of power. Scepter is related to a Greek verb that means to prop oneself or lean on something. That makes sense, since a scepter is something a ruler can lean on, like any other staff. However, you won't find an ordinary citizen with a scepter. If the President started carrying a scepter, people would probably get worried; it would suggest that he is thinking of himself as a king.

Example Sentences

Here, he is crowned and brandishing a scepter, but the skittishness toward the ultimate reality of life — its unavoidable end — makes him a heightened version of all of us.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

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

From Reuters • Sep. 29, 2023

Mr. Modi, surrounded by a dozen Hindu priests, carried the scepter down the aisle of the new Parliament, installing it to the right of the speaker’s seat.

From New York Times • May 28, 2023

On Saturday, the scepter will be handed to Charles as a symbol of his temporal power.

From Seattle Times • May 5, 2023

Her teacup pets surround her—a monkey on her shoulder, an elephant in her lap, and a thimble-size rabbit perched on the tip of her scepter.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton