Pro*pi"tious (?), a. [L.
propitius, perhaps originally a term of augury meaning, flying
forward (pro) or well; cf. Skr. pat to fly, E.
petition, feather.]
1. Convenient; auspicious; favorable; kind;
as, a propitious season; a propitious breeze.
2. Hence, kind; gracious; merciful; helpful; -
- said of a person or a divinity. Milton.
And now t' assuage the force of this new flame,
And make thee [Love] more propitious in my need.
Spenser.
Syn. -- Auspicious; favorable; kind. -- Propitious,
Auspicious. Auspicious (from the ancient idea of
auspices, or omens) denotes "indicative of success," or
"favored by incidental occurrences;" as, an auspicious opening;
an auspicious event. Propitious denotes that which
efficaciously protect us in some undertaking, speeds our exertions,
and decides our success; as, propitious gales;
propitious influences.
-- Pro*pi"tious*ly, adv. --
Pro*pi"tious*ness, n.
