scytale

noun

scyt·​a·​le

ˈsitᵊl(ˌ)ē

plural -s

1

: a method of cipher writing used especially by the Spartans in which a narrow strip of parchment was wound on a rod and the message written across the adjoining edges

2

a

: a message written in the scytale cipher

b

: a parchment bearing such a message

Word History

Etymology

Latin scytale, scytala, scutula, from Greek skytalē staff, cylinder, message

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!