sceptre
[ sep-ter ]
/ ˈsɛp tər /
noun, verb (used with object), scep·tred, scep·tring. Chiefly British.
Nearby words
Definition for sceptre (2 of 2)
scepter
[ sep-ter ]
/ ˈsɛp tər /
noun
a rod or wand borne in the hand as an emblem of regal or imperial power.
royal or imperial power or authority; sovereignty.
verb (used with object)
to give a scepter to; invest with authority.
Also especially British, scep·tre.
Origin of scepter
1250–1300; Middle English (s)ceptre < Old French < Latin scēptrum < Greek skêptron staff; akin to shaft
Related forms
scep·ter·less, adjectivescep·tral [sep-truh l] /ˈsɛp trəl/, adjectiveun·scep·tered, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for sceptre
British Dictionary definitions for sceptre
sceptre
US scepter
/ (ˈsɛptə) /
noun
a ceremonial staff held by a monarch as the symbol of authority
imperial authority; sovereignty
verb
(tr) to invest with authority
Derived Forms
sceptred or US sceptered, adjectiveWord Origin for sceptre
C13: from Old French sceptre, from Latin scēptrum, from Greek skeptron staff
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012