aegis

ae·gis

noun \ˈē-jəs also ˈā-\

Definition of AEGIS

1

: a shield or breastplate emblematic of majesty that was associated with Zeus and Athena

2

a : protection <under the aegis of the Constitution>

b : controlling or conditioning influence <many American mothers, under the aegis of benevolent permissiveness … actually neglect their children — Time>

3

a : auspices, sponsorship <under the aegis of the museum>

b : control or guidance especially by an individual, group, or system

Variants of AEGIS

ae·gis also egis \ˈē-jəs also ˈā-\

Examples of AEGIS

1. <having no claim to the land under the aegis of the law, the cattle baron decided to claim it by force>
2. <a medical study that was questioned by many because it was done under the aegis of a major pharmaceutical company>

Origin of AEGIS

Latin, from Greek aigis, literally, goatskin, from aig-, aix goat; akin to Armenian ayc goat

First Known Use: 1581

Related to AEGIS

Synonyms

defense (also egis), ammunition, armor, buckler, cover, guard, protection, safeguard, screen, security, shield, wall, ward

Related Words

arm, armament, munitions, weapon, weaponry; fastness, fort, fortress, palisade, stronghold

Near Antonyms

aggression, assault, attack, offense (or offence), offensive

aegis

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In ancient Greece, the leather cloak or breastplate associated with Zeus. It was worn most prominently by Zeus's daughter Athena (whose aegis bore the head of Medusa) but occasionally also by other gods (e.g., Apollo in the Iliad).