noun
auspice
A sign interpreted as indicating what will happen.
The sudden clearing of the sky seems a favorable auspice.
Etymology
Latin avis and specere connect the word with looking at birds. Roman diviners observed birds for indications of events, so the practice supplied a word for an omen or sign.
More examples
- The ruler interpreted the bird's flight as an auspice.
- They began the expedition under hopeful auspices.
- The chronicler recorded the strange auspice before the battle.
Forms
auspice · auspices