aegis

One entry found for aegis.

Main Entry: ae·gis
Variant(s): also egis /'E-j&s also 'A-/
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin, from Greek aigis, literally, goatskin, from aig-, aix goat; akin to Armenian ayc goat
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 <acted under the court's aegis>