Wand \Wand\, n. [Of Scand. origin; cf. Icel. v["o]ndr, 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 (Scots Law), 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)