Main Entry:

ae·gis

Variant(s):

also egis \ˈē-jəs also ˈā-\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

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

Date:

1581

1: a shield or breastplate emblematic of majesty that was associated with Zeus and Athena2 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