[ae.gis] n [L, fr. Gk aigis, lit., goatskin, fr. aig-, aix goat; akin to Arm ayc goat] (1611) 1: a shield or breastplate emblematic of majesty that was associated with Zeus and Athena
2. a: protection "under the ~ of the constitution" b: controlling or conditioning influence "many American mothers, under the ~ of benevolent permissiveness ... actually neglect their children --Time" 3 a: auspices, sponsorship "under the ~ of the museum" b: control or guidance esp. by an individual, group, or system "the plan unfolded under the general's ~"