Auspice

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Auspice \Aus"pice\, n.; pl. {Auspices}. [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.
        [1913 Webster]


  
     2. Protection; patronage and care; guidance.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Which by his auspice they will nobler make.
                                                    --Dryden.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: In this sense the word is generally plural, auspices;
           as, under the auspices of the king.
           [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  auspice
       n : a favorable omen