Sceptre
/ˈsɛp.tər/noun
A ceremonial staff or ornament symbolizing royal authority.
Did you know?The sceptre’s name traces back to Greek skēptron, a real object of rule and command in epic poetry, where kings, judges, and even gods were pictured holding it as proof of legitimate authority.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*skep-
“to cut, scrape; a root behind the idea of a staff or shaft”
Ancient Greek
Greek
σκῆπτρον (skēptron)
“a staff, walking stick, or emblem of authority”
Latin
Latin
sceptrum
“a sceptre, royal staff”
Old French
Old French
sceptre
“a royal staff or rod of authority”
Middle English
English
sceptre
“a ceremonial staff symbolizing sovereignty”
Modern English
English
sceptre
“a ceremonial staff or ornament symbolizing royal authority”
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