aegis

[ ee-jis ]

noun

1. Classical Mythology. the shield or breastplate of Zeus or Athena, bearing at its center the head of the Gorgon.
2. protection; support:

   under the imperial aegis.

3. sponsorship; auspices:

   a debate under the aegis of the League of Women Voters.

   Synonyms: patronage

aegis

/ ˈiːdʒɪs /

noun

1. sponsorship or protection; auspices (esp in the phrase under the aegis of )
2. Greek myth the shield of Zeus, often represented in art as a goatskin

Word History and Origins

Origin of aegis¹

First recorded in 1425–1475; late Middle English, from Latin, from Greek aigís “shield of Zeus or Athena,” probably from aig- (stem of aíx “goat”) + -is noun suffix, from a type of cloak or shield made of goatskin

Word History and Origins

Origin of aegis¹

C18: from Latin, from Greek aigis shield of Zeus, perhaps related to aig-, stem of aix goat

Example Sentences

But I think they were able to justify it under the aegis of anticommunism.

From Salon

Even one of the first breakout female rappers, Roxanne Shanté, came up under the aegis of Marley Marl and the Juice Crew.

From Los Angeles Times

Blakemore’s killer memoir “Stage Blood” resurrects the early days of the National Theatre under the aegis of Laurence Olivier.

From Los Angeles Times

"However, the functioning of the navigational corridor continues under the aegis of the defence forces," said Ukraine's southern operational command.

From BBC

Much of the secret litigation will take place under the aegis of the Classified Information Procedures Act.

From New York Times

Related Words

• auspices
• patronage
• sponsorship