auspice

aus·pice

noun \ˈȯs-pəs\

plural aus·pic·es \-pə-səz, -ˌsēz\

Definition of AUSPICE

1

: observation by an augur especially of the flight and feeding of birds to discover omens

2

plural : kindly patronage and guidance <doing research under the auspices of the local historical society>

3

: a prophetic sign; especially : a favorable sign

Examples of AUSPICE

1. <a program for inner-city youths that is under the auspices of a national corporation>
2. <interpreted the teacher's smile as an auspice that he would get an A on his presentation>

Origin of AUSPICE

Latin auspicium, from auspic-, auspex diviner by birds, from avis bird + specere to look, look at — more at aviary, spy

First Known Use: 1533

Related to AUSPICE

Synonyms

aegis (also egis), backing, patronage, sponsorship

Related Words

bankrolling, endowment, financing, funding, subsidy; encouragement, fosterage; aid, assistance, help

Other Occult Terms

augury, censor, invocation, lucidity, metempsychosis, mojo, numinous, preternatural, weird, wraith