Word Study
auspice
CIDE DICTIONARY
- 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. [1913 Webster]
- Protection; patronage and care; guidance. [1913 Webster]" In this sense the word is generally plural, auspices; as, under the auspices of the king." [1913 Webster]"Which by his auspice they will nobler make." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
auspice, n.
1 (in pl.) patronage ( esp. under the auspices of).
2 a forecast.
1 (in pl.) patronage ( esp. under the auspices of).
2 a forecast.
Etymology
orig. 'observation of bird-flight in divination': F auspice or L auspicium f. auspex observer of birds f. avis bird
ROGET THESAURUS
auspice
Omen
N omen, portent, presage, prognostic, augury, auspice, sign, harbinger, yule candle, bird of ill omen, signs of the times, gathering clouds, warning, prefigurement, ill-boding, auspicium melioris aevi.For further exploring for "auspice" in Webster Dictionary Online