sceptre

[ sep-ter ]

noun

, scep·tred, scep·tring.

1. Chiefly British. a variant of scepter.

sceptre

/ ˈsɛptə /

noun

1. a ceremonial staff held by a monarch as the symbol of authority
2. imperial authority; sovereignty

verb

1. tr to invest with authority

Derived Forms

• ˈsceptred, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sceptre¹

C13: from Old French sceptre, from Latin scēptrum, from Greek skeptron staff

Example Sentences

The result: An imposing figure of a seated emperor, draped in a gilded tunic and holding a sceptre and orb, gazing out over his Rome from a side garden of the Capitoline Museums.

From Seattle Times

During the Westminster Abbey ceremony, the King was anointed with "holy oil", and received the orb and sceptre, symbols of royalty.

From BBC

May wisdom be your crown, compassion your sceptre and loving kindness your orb, adorned with the jewels of impartiality, humility and service, for the benefit of beings in this realm and beyond.

From BBC

Three years later it was used again, together with the sword and sceptre which make up Scotland's Crown Jewels, to crown the infant Mary Queen of Scots.

From BBC

He will receive the crown and sceptre which form part of the Honours of Scotland.

From BBC

Related Words

• baton
• cane
• cylinder
• ingot
• shaft
• slab
• stick