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 omens2plural : kindly patronage and guidance <doing research under the auspices of the local historical society>3: a prophetic sign ; especially : a favorable sign