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

Example Sentences

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

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

From New York Times • Jul. 5, 2023

Dozens of Hindu priests followed Modi inside Parliament, where he installed the scepter near the chair of the speaker.

From Washington 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

“His tomb was destroyed centuries ago, but Reyna and I used to wonder if we could find Diocletian’s ghost and ask where he was buried...well, according to the legends, his scepter was buried with him.”

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan