auspice

[ aw-spis ]

noun

, plural aus·pic·es [aw, -sp, uh, -siz].

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.

auspice

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of auspice¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of auspice¹

C16: from Latin auspicium augury from birds; see auspex

Example Sentences

A lateral move in the offing provides opportunity to trailblaze new frontiers under existing career auspice.

From The Daily Beast

This form of divination, so well known to the Romans, is still kept in remembrance by the use of the words augury and auspice.

From Project Gutenberg

Love had been a star of evil auspice for the women of the Medici family!

From Project Gutenberg

But if you wish to make sure whether it is a good auspice or a bad, you kill the spider and count its legs.

From Project Gutenberg

Now with good auspice urged along, with mutual minds they love and are beloved.

From Project Gutenberg

From thence, "Tencro duce et auspice Tencro," I will try to find out my little dairy.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• aegis
• sponsorship