SCEPTRUM (σκῆπτρον), which originally denoted a simple staff or
walking-stick, was emblematic of station and authority. In ancient
authors the sceptre is represented as belonging more especially
to kings, princes, and leaders of tribes: but it is also borne by
judges, by heralds, and by priests and seers. The sceptre descended
from father to son, and might be committed to any one in order to
express the transfer of authority. Those who bore the sceptre swore
by it, solemnly taking it in the right hand and raising it towards
heaven. The ivory sceptre of the kings of Rome, which descended to
the consuls, was surmounted by an eagle.
SCHOENUS (ὁ, ἡ, σχοῖνος), an Egyptian and Persian measure, the length
of which is stated by Herodotus at 60 stadia, or 2 parasangs. It was
used especially for measuring land.