Scep"ter, Scep"tre (?), n. [F. sceptre, L. sceptrum, from Gr. a staff to lean upon, a scepter; probably akin to E. 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.

 

© Webster 1913.


Scep"ter, Scep"tre, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Sceptered (?) or Sceptred (); p. pr. & vb. n. Sceptering (?) or Sceptring ().]

To endow with the scepter, or emblem of authority; to invest with royal authority.

To Britain's queen the sceptered suppliant bends. Tickell.

 

© Webster 1913.

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