auspice

American  

[aw-spis] / ˈɔ spɪs /

noun

PLURAL

auspices

1. Usually auspices patronage; support; sponsorship.

   under the auspices of the Department of Education.

2. Often auspices a favorable sign or propitious circumstance.

3. a divination or prognostication, originally from observing birds.

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auspice British  

/ ˈɔːspɪs /

noun

1. (usually plural) patronage or guidance (esp in the phrase under the auspices of )

2. (often plural) a sign or omen, esp one that is favourable

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Etymology

Origin of auspice

First recorded in 1525–35; from French, from Latin auspicium “a bird-watching, divination from flight of birds,” equivalent to auspic- (stem of auspex ) + -ium -ium

Example Sentences

Progress toward that goal is already underway, under the auspices of investigations involving the International Criminal Court in The Hague and the United Nations’ Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine.

From Washington Post

The revamped NPB was held for the first time last month under the auspices of a new organization, which publicly announced new rules for attendance.

From Salon

But other elements of the blacklist remained, including a ban on citing the two authors’ work in any material published under church auspices.

From New York Times

At the station, which is called Summit and is occupied year-round under the auspices of the National Science Foundation, there is no record of rain since observations began in the 1980s.

From New York Times

A team of refugees marched in under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• aegis
• sponsorship