Scepter

n. [Fr. sceptre, O. Sp. esceptro, N. Sp. cetro, It. scettro, Lat. sceptrum, from Gr. σκῆπτρον, a staff to lean upon, a scepter, from σκήπτειν, to lean.] 1. A staff or baton borne by kings on solemn occasions, as a badge of authority; a royal mace. And the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Esther v. 2. 2. Hence, royal power or authority; as, to assume the scepter. The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come. Gen. xlix. 10.