Aus"pice (&?;), n.; pl. Auspices (&?;). [L. auspicium, fr. auspex: cf. F. auspice. See Auspicate, a.] 1. A divining or taking of omens by observing birds; an omen as to an undertaking, drawn from birds; an augury; an omen or sign in general; an indication as to the future.

2. Protection; patronage and care; guidance.

Which by his auspice they will nobler make.
Dryden.

&fist; In this sense the word is generally plural, auspices; as, under the auspices of the king.

• Patronage, support or protection
       
• This building was built under the auspices of the Friends of the Poor
  
• An omen or a sign
       
• The circle of vultures was not a good auspice
  
• (obsolete) Divination from the actions of birds