\Fer"u*la\, n. [L. ferula giant fennel (its stalks were
used in punishing schoolboys), rod, whip, fr. ferire to
strike; akin to OHG. berjan, Icel. berja. Cf. {Ferule}.]
1. A ferule. [Obs.] --Beau. & Fl.
2. The imperial scepter in the Byzantine or Eastern Empire.