ˈȯspə̇s noun
( plural auspic·es -ə̇sə̇z also -ə̇ˌsēz)
Etymology: Latin auspicium, from auspic-, auspex bird seer, augur, from au- (from avis bird) + -spic-, -spex (from spicere, specere to look) — more at aviary , spy
1. : observation (as in augury) especially of the flight and feeding of birds intended to discover a sign of the future ; also : an omen based on such observation
2.
a. : any sign or portent apparently indicative of the future : prophetic token
under these unpromising auspices the parting took place — Jane Austen
especially : a sign taken as being a favorable indication of the future
he took her gentle words as an auspice of happiness
b. : the interplay of events and circumstances especially when favorable — usually used in plural
with the right auspices, they will succeed
3. auspices plural : patronage and kindly guidance : protection
under the auspices of the United Nations