The spelling of the word "sceptry" may seem confusing, but it can be explained through its pronunciation. The word is pronounced /ˈsɛptri/, with a short "e" sound in the first syllable and a "tr" sound at the end. The "c" in the word is silent, and the "y" is added to represent the suffix "-ry," which means "the office or domain of." Therefore, "sceptry" refers to the domain or authority of a scepter, a symbol of royal power.