auspice

[ aw-spis ]

noun

, plural aus·pic·es [aw, -sp, uh, -siz].

1. Usually auspices. patronage; support; sponsorship:

   under the auspices of the Department of Education.

2. Often auspices. a favorable sign or propitious circumstance.
3. a divination or prognostication, originally from observing birds.

auspice

/ ˈɔːspɪs /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of auspice¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from French, from Latin auspicium “a bird-watching, divination from flight of birds,” equivalent to auspic- (stem of auspex ) + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of auspice¹

C16: from Latin auspicium augury from birds; see auspex

Example Sentences

The county audit, ordered by the Board of Supervisors in February, is separate from an audit of L. A. city homelessness programs being conducted under the auspices of federal court in the L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

He was a little worried about the TV auspices there.

From Los Angeles Times

The ICC set up T20 International Inc in the country, operating under its auspices, to oversee the tournament instead.

From BBC

By Monday morning, the Israel Defense Forces announced it would launch an investigation into the "circumstances of the deaths of civilians in the area of the strike," under the auspices of a semi-independent fact-finding body.

From Salon

This group, operating under the auspices of the right-wing Heritage Foundation's “Project 2025,” presents an extreme example of how a second Trump presidency could gut institutional checks and balances.

From Salon

Related Words

• aegis
• sponsorship