scepter

American  

[sep-ter] / ˈsɛp tər /

especially British, sceptre

noun

scepters plural

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

• scepterless
  adjective
• sceptral
  adjective
• unsceptered
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• scepters
  plural

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

In his left hand, he will hold the Scepter with Dove, representing spiritual authority and mercy.

From Seattle Times • May 6, 2023

“For Dinah Washington, the entire Scepter roster, Chuck Jackson, Maxine Brown, the Shirelles ... we did some things with Ben E King.”

From The Guardian • Mar. 23, 2020

Flo Greenberg was in her 40s when she started Scepter Records, and John Hammond was in his 50s when he signed Bob Dylan at Columbia.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2016

Scepter has a mandate to act both as a merchant bank and as a direct investment syndicate for its wealthy backers.

From New York Times • Oct. 22, 2015

These Commendations given him by so learned a Prince, made Mr. Alexander Nevil thus to write; Harps others Praise, a Scepter his doth sing, Of Crowned Poet, and of Laureat King.

From The Lives of the Most Famous English Poets (1687) by Parker, William Riley