AUSPICE

auspice|auspices. Auspice, or Auspices, n. omens, favor, patronage

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Aus″pice (�), n.; pl. Auspices (�). [[L. auspicium, fr. auspex: cf. F. auspice. See Auspicate, a.]] 1. 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. 2. Protection; patronage and care; guidance.
Which by his auspice they will nobler make. Dryden. ☞ In this sense the word is generally plural, auspices; as, under the auspices of the king.