Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun, verb (used with object), scep·tred, scep·tring. Chiefly British.
- scepter.
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.
noun
- a ceremonial staff held by a monarch as the symbol of authority
- imperial authority; sovereignty
verb
- (tr) to invest with authority
n.c.1300, ceptre, from Old French sceptre (12c.), from Latin sceptrum “royal staff,” from Greek skeptron “staff to lean on; royal scepter;” in transferred use, “royalty,” from root of skeptein “to prop or stay, lean on.” Apparently a cognate with Old English sceaft (see shaft (n.1)). The verb meaning “to furnish with a scepter” is from 1520s. chiefly British English spelling of scepter (q.v.); for spelling, see -re. Related: Sceptred.