/ee"jis/ , n.
1. Class. Myth. the shield or breastplate of Zeus or Athena, bearing at its center the head of the Gorgon.
2. protection; support: under the imperial aegis.
3. sponsorship; auspices: a debate under the aegis of the League of Women Voters. Also, egis .
[ 1695-1705; aigís shield of Zeus or Athena, prob. from aig- (s. of aíx goat) + -is n. suffix, from a type of shield made of goatskin ]
Syn. 3. patronage.