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

See Examples For:

scepter scepters

Intriguingly, a large figure stands on the mountain just behind this wall: It is the Sapa Inca—or ruler—identifiable by the sun on his tunic, the scepter in his hand, and his elaborate headdress.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

Delia Nuñez, 94, poses for a portrait with her vanilla crown and scepter.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 5, 2024

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

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.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 25, 2023

For one moment longer, stupor held court; his scepter was absolute and we all were subjected unto him.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

Another pair of scepters include tiny life-like hands that Sanroman says belonged to the god of death, Mictlantecuhtli.

From Reuters ● Sep. 29, 2023

One by one, symbols of regalia were brought to him — spurs, the sword of offering, the orb, the sovereign’s ring, two scepters.

From New York Times ● May 6, 2023

Even a sovereign has only two hands, so near the end of the ceremony, the monarch has to set the Orb on the altar to hold the two scepters.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 3, 2023

Other roles announced Thursday include those who will carry the king’s regalia — including the crown, scepters, orb, swords and spurs — to the altar on May 6.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 27, 2023

My older brother had on a blue jacket embroidered with shapes resembling Buddha scepters for long life.

From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan