auspex
[ aw-speks ]
/ ˈɔ spɛks /
noun, plural aus·pi·ces [aw-spuh-seez] /ˈɔ spəˌsiz/.
an augur of ancient Rome.
Origin of auspex
1590–1600; < Latin: one who observes birds, soothsayer, diviner, equivalent to
au-, base of
avis bird +
-spex watcher (
spec-, stem of
specere to look at) +
-s nominative singular suffix
Words nearby auspex
Definition for auspices (2 of 2)
auspice
[ aw-spis ]
/ ˈɔ spɪs /
noun, plural aus·pic·es [aw-spuh-siz] /ˈɔ spə sɪz/.
Usually auspices.
patronage; support; sponsorship: under the auspices of the Department of Education.
Often auspices.
a favorable sign or propitious circumstance.
a divination or prognostication, originally from observing birds.
Example sentences from the Web for auspices
British Dictionary definitions for auspices (1 of 2)
auspex
/ (ˈɔːspɛks) /
noun plural auspices (ˈɔːspɪˌsiːz)
Roman history another word for augur (def. 1)
Word Origin for auspex
C16: from Latin: observer of birds, from
avis bird +
specere to look
British Dictionary definitions for auspices (2 of 2)
auspice
/ (ˈɔːspɪs) /
noun plural -pices (-pɪsɪz)
(usually plural)
patronage or guidance (esp in the phrase under the auspices of)
(often plural)
a sign or omen, esp one that is favourable
Word Origin for auspice
C16: from Latin
auspicium augury from birds; see
auspex