Main Entry: aus·pice

Pronunciation: \ˈȯs-pəs\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural aus·pic·es \-pə-səz, -ˌsēz\

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

Date: 1533

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