auspices

noun, plural aus·pi·ces

[aw-spuh-seez] .

an augur of ancient Rome.

Origin:
1590–1600; < Latin: one who observes birds, soothsayer, diviner, equivalent to au-, base of avis bird + -spex watcher (spec-, stem of specere to look at) + -s nominative singular suffix

Dictionary.com Unabridged

noun, plural aus·pic·es

[aw-spuh-siz] .

Usually, auspices. patronage; support; sponsorship: under the auspices of the Department of Education.

Often, auspices. a favorable sign or propitious circumstance.

a divination or prognostication, originally from observing birds.

Origin:
1525–35; < French < Latin auspicium a bird-watching, divination from flight of birds, equivalent to auspic- (stem of auspex) + -ium -ium

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Relevant Questions

What Is An Auspice?

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Auspices is always a great word to know.

So is gobo. Does it mean:

an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.

a screen or mat covered with a dark material for shielding a camera lens from excess light or glare.

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World English Dictionary

auspex (ˈɔːspɛks)

—n , pl auspices
	Roman history another word for augur

[C16: from Latin: observer of birds, from avis bird + specere to look]

auspice (ˈɔːspɪs)

—n , pl -pices
1.	(usually plural) patronage or guidance (esp in the phrase under the auspices of)
2.	(often plural) a sign or omen, esp one that is favourable

[C16: from Latin auspicium augury from birds; see auspex]

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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

auspex

1590s, "one who observes flights of birds for the purpose of taking omens," from L. avispex, from PIE *awi-spek- "observer of birds," from *awi- "bird" + *spek- "to see." Connection between birds and omens also is in Gk. oionos "bird of prey, bird of omen, omen," and ornis "bird," which also could mean

"omen."

auspices

pl. (and now the usual form) of auspice; 1530s, "observation of birds for the purpose of taking omens," from Fr. auspice (14c.), from L. auspicum "function of an auspex" (q.v.). Meaning "any indication of the future (especially favorable)" is from 1650s; earlier (1630s) in

extended sense of "benevolent influence of greater power, influence exerted on behalf of someone or something," originally in expression under the auspices of.

Example sentences

Never did a government commence under auspices so favorable, nor ever was

success so complete.

Many of the future technologies discussed are being developed under the

auspices of legitimate programs with beneficial outputs.

The international auspices were favorable.

She often visits under the auspices of a museum program for people who are

sight-impaired.

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Matching Quote

"If I wished to see a mountain or other scenery under the most favorable auspices, I would go to it in foul weather, so as to be there when it cleared up; we are then in the most suitable mood, and nature is most fresh and inspiring. There is no serenity so fair as that which is just established in a tearful eye."

-Henry David Thoreau

auspices

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