n.
Pronunciation: ' o ̇ s-p ə s
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural aus · pic · es \ -p ə -s ə z, - ˌ s ē z \
Etymology: Latin auspicium, from auspic-, auspex diviner by birds, from avis bird + specere to look, look at ― more at AVIARY , SPY
Date: 1533
1 : observation by an augur especially of the flight and feeding of birds to discover omens
2 plural : kindly patronage and guidance <doing research under the auspices of the local historical society>
3 : a prophetic sign especially : a favorable sign