Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SCEP'TER, n. [Fr. sceptre; L. sceptrum; Gr. σκηπτρον, from σκηπτω, 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. xlii.
4. A constellation.