aegis

Sometimes e·gis

[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

Related Words

• auspices www.thesaurus.com
• patronage 
• sponsorship