Scytălé
(
σκυτάλη). A staff, used especially in Sparta by the ephors
for their secret despatches to officials, particularly to commanders, in foreign countries
(
Lysand. 19;
Gell. xvii.9.3; Suid. s. h. v.). A
narrow strip of white leather was wound about a round staff so that the edges came exactly
together; it was then written on crosswise, and sent to its destination after being unrolled
again. What had been written could only be read when the strip was again would round an
exactly similar staff, such as was given to every official when going abroad on public
service. See
Notae.