SCEP'TER, n. [L. sceptrum; Gr. from to send or thrust; coinciding with L. scipio, that is, a shoot or rod.] 1. A staff or batoon borne by kings on solemn occasions, as a badge of authority. Hence,2. The appropriate ensign of royalty; an ensign of higher antiquity than the crown. Hence,3. Royal power or authority; as, to assume the scepter.The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, till Shiloh come. Gen. 49.4. A constellation.SCEP'TER, v.t. To invest with royal authority, or with the ensign of authority.
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