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an augur of ancient Rome.
Usually, auspices. patronage; support; sponsorship:
under the auspices of the Department of Education.
Often, auspices. a favorable sign or propitious circumstance.
a divination or prognostication, originally from observing birds.
Contemporary Examples

The discussion was held under the auspices of two Members of Knesset, Tamar Zandberg and Dov Henin.
Toward a WMD-Free Zone in the Middle East Hillel Schenker October 27, 2013

Surely you could visit these places independently outside of the auspices of a group, I say to Lear.
Adventures in Gay History With Oscar Wilde Tim Teeman June 10, 2014

Nor, despite being hosted under the auspices of a think-tank, did the evening revolve around scholarship.
Mr. Lieberman Goes To Washington Ali Gharib December 2, 2012

We have grown up under the auspices of an industrial food chain that is one and a half centuries old.
How Corn Got So Sweet Katie Workman August 24, 2009

Historical Examples

Under my auspices he had always voted for the Fixed Period, and he could hardly oppose it now in theory.
The Fixed Period Anthony Trollope

Having got the promise of them from Agesilaus, he proceeded to take the auspices.
Hellenica Xenophon

Many Highland gatherings in Canada were held under the auspices of this regiment.
The Red Watch J. A. Currie

It will be an advantage to him, in a way, to have sung under the auspices of our committee.
The Dominant Strain Anna Chapin Ray

The state greatly developed and organised the whole system of auguries and auspices.
The Religion of Ancient Rome Cyril Bailey

Do we not serve under Aemilius Paullus and his Illyrian auspices?
The Lion’s Brood Duffield Osborne

noun (pl) auspices (ˈɔːspɪˌsiːz)
(Roman history) another word for augur (sense 1)
noun (pl) -pices (-pɪsɪz)
(usually pl) patronage or guidance (esp in the phrase under the auspices of)
(often pl) a sign or omen, esp one that is favourable
n.

plural (and now the usual form) of auspice; 1530s, “observation of birds for the purpose of taking omens,” from French auspice (14c.), from Latin auspicum “function of an auspex” (q.v.). Meaning “any indication of the future (especially favorable)” is from 1650s; earlier (1630s) in extended sense of “benevolent influence of greater power, influence exerted on behalf of someone or something,” originally in expression under the auspices of.
n.

1590s, “one who observes flights of birds for the purpose of taking omens,” from Latin auspex “interpreter of omens given by birds,” from PIE *awi-spek- “observer of birds,” from *awi- “bird” (see aviary) + *spek- “to see” (see scope (n.1)). Connection between birds and omens also is in Greek oionos “bird of prey, bird of omen, omen,” and ornis “bird,” which also could mean “omen.”