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

• scepterless
  adjective
• sceptral
  adjective
• unsceptered
  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

Charles will wear the Coronation Glove and hold the Scepter with Cross, a symbol of earthly power, in his right hand.

From Seattle Times • May 6, 2023

Twitter users have begun loudly calling for the Great Star of Africa — the largest uncut diamond in the world, which is part of the Sovereign’s Scepter — to be returned to South Africa.

From New York Times • Sep. 11, 2022

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

We manage her now, and we have a contract with Scepter records.

From The Guardian • Jun. 5, 2013

And for his Creast a Civic Crown, or Oaken Garland, with a Sword and Scepter crossed through it Saltierwise.

From Boscobel Or, The History of his Sacred Majesties most Miraculous Preservation by Blount, Thomas