Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - auspice

 noun  (plural ~s)  Etymology: Latin auspicium, from auspic-, auspex diviner by birds, from avis bird + specere to look, look at — more at aviary, spy  Date: 1533  1. observation by an augur especially of the flight and feeding of birds to discover omens  2. plural kindly patronage and guidance doing research under the ~s of the local historical society  3. a prophetic sign; especially a favorable sign