auspex

American  

[aw-speks] / ˈɔ spɛks /

noun

plural

auspices

1. an augur of ancient Rome.

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auspex British  

/ ˈɔːspɛks /

noun

1. Roman history another word for augur

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Usage

What does auspex mean? An auspex was an Ancient Roman official who acted as soothsayer or priest and was responsible for interpreting omens to guide decisions.The plural of auspex is auspices.The Ancient Roman auspices were highly respected religious officials. They were consulted by lawmakers and other leaders prior to major events such as wars and the founding of colonies.The word augur can mean the same thing, and it is also used as a general term for any prophet, oracle, or soothsayer.Example: The emperor was known for never taking action before consulting the auspices.

Etymology

Origin of auspex

1590–1600; < Latin: one who observes birds, soothsayer, diviner, equivalent to au-, base of avis bird + -spex watcher ( spec-, stem of specere to look at) + -s nominative singular suffix

Example Sentences

Is Teucer called auspex, as taking the auspices, like an augur, or as giving the auspices, like a god?

From Project Gutenberg