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.
⇒ In this sense the word is generally plural, auspices; as, under the auspices of the king.
© Webster 1913.