scepter

Scep"ter, Scep"tre, n. Etym: [F. sceptre, L. sceptrum, from Gr. shaft. See Shaft, and cf. Scape a stem, shaft.] 1. A staff or baton borne by a sovereign, as a ceremonial badge or emblem of authority; a royal mace. And the king held out Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Esther v. 2. 2. Hence, royal or imperial power or authority; sovereignty; as, to assume the scepter. The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shilon come. Gen. xlix. 10. Scep"ter, Scep"tre, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Sceptered or Sceptred (p. pr. & vb. n. Sceptering or Sceptring (.] Defn: To endow with the scepter, or emblem of authority; to invest with royal authority. To Britain's queen the sceptered suppliant bends. Tickell.

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