auspice

Aus"pice, n.; pl. Auspices (. Etym: [L. auspicium, fr. auspex: cf. F. auspice. See Auspicate, a.] 1. A divining or taking of omens by observing birds; an omen as to an undertaking, drawn from birds; an augury; an omen or sign in general; an indication as to the future. 2. Protection; patronage and care; guidance. Which by his auspice they will nobler make. Dryden. Note: In this sense the word is generally plural, auspices; as, under the auspices of the king.

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