aegis

[ ee-jis ]

noun

1. Classical Mythology. the shield or breastplate of Zeus or Athena, bearing at its center the head of the Gorgon.
2. protection; support:

   under the imperial aegis.

3. sponsorship; auspices:

   a debate under the aegis of the League of Women Voters.

   Synonyms: patronage

aegis

/ ˈiːdʒɪs /

noun

1. sponsorship or protection; auspices (esp in the phrase under the aegis of )
2. Greek myth the shield of Zeus, often represented in art as a goatskin

Word History and Origins

Origin of aegis¹

First recorded in 1425–1475; late Middle English, from Latin, from Greek aigís “shield of Zeus or Athena,” probably from aig- (stem of aíx “goat”) + -is noun suffix, from a type of cloak or shield made of goatskin

Word History and Origins

Origin of aegis¹

C18: from Latin, from Greek aigis shield of Zeus, perhaps related to aig-, stem of aix goat

Example Sentences

Not every advice giver works under the aegis of an organization.

From The Daily Beast

“Greenwald did come here under the aegis of [Dotcom],” says John Armstrong, political columnist for The New Zealand Herald.

From The Daily Beast

The biggest naval export program is the Aegis fire control system.

From The Daily Beast

Tokyo also sent one of its Aegis destroyers to the Sea of Japan on April 3.

From The Daily Beast

Under the aegis of the World Trade Organization, companies could feel secure that they could sell their goods all over the globe.

From The Daily Beast

Further, great mystery shrouds the particulars of their overthrow when the aegis of the Roman authority was withdrawn.

From Project Gutenberg

Ought you not to be in a home of your own with your mother, who loves you well enough to protect you with her aegis?

From Project Gutenberg

He had never contemplated the possession of power except under the aegis of some commanding chief.

From Project Gutenberg

She was like as if she would array a battle, with a spear in her hand, and a golden helmet, and the aegis about her shoulders.

From Project Gutenberg

The demonstration of 30th March and 6th April could have been held under any other aegis us under that of Satyagrah.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• auspices
• patronage
• sponsorship