Wand (?), n. [Of Scand. origin; cf. Icel. vondr, akin to Dan. vaand, Goth. wandus; perhaps originally, a pliant twig, and akin to E. wind to turn.]
1.
A small stick; a rod; a verge.
With good smart blows of a wand on his back.
Locke.
2. Specifically: (a)
A staff of authority.
Though he had both spurs and wand, they seemed rather marks of sovereignty than instruments of punishment.
Sir P. Sidney.
(b)
A rod used by conjurers, diviners, magicians, etc.
Picus bore a buckler in his hand;
His other waved a long divining wand.
Dryden.
Wand of peace ScotsLaw, a wand, or staff, carried by the messenger of a court, which he breaks when deforced (that is, hindered from executing process), as a symbol of the deforcement, and protest for remedy of law.
Burrill.
© Webster 1913.