Definition of "auspice" []

• Protection or support; patronage. (noun)
• A sign indicative of future prospects; an omen: Auspices for the venture seemed favorable. (noun)
• Observation of and divination from the actions of birds. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The English noun "auspice," which originally referred to this practice of observing birds to discover omens, also comes from Latin "auspex.""
• ""auspice" is derived from watching birds (_avium inspectione_)."
• "Under the auspice of the Cuban Fund for Cultural Goods, 1,500 artists, craftsmen, painters, art promoters and others who have a sales license and goods to offer will be present at the PABEXPO showroom in Havana and in the other 13 provinces from April 22 through May 7 selling their goods for the new found gift giving celebration. 25 institutional stands and 170 individual ones required sales space."