(Hebrews shebet = Gr. skeptron), properly a staff or rod. As a symbol of authority, the use of the sceptre originated in the idea that the ruler was as a shepherd of his people (Genesis 49:10; Numbers 24:17; Psalm 45:6; Isaiah 14:5). There is no example on record of a sceptre having ever been actually handled by a Jewish king.

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) A staff or baton borne by a sovereign, as a ceremonial badge or emblem of authority; a royal mace.

2. (n.) Hence, royal or imperial power or authority; sovereignty; as, to assume the scepter.

3. (v. t.) To endow with the scepter, or emblem of authority; to invest with royal authority.