‖ auspex Rom. Antiq.
(ˈɔːspɛks)
Pl. auspices.
[L., contr. for avispex, f. avi-s bird + -spex an observer, f. specĕre to behold, observe.]
One who observed the flight of birds, to take omens thence for the guidance of affairs; hence, a director, protector; and esp. the person who superintended marriage ceremonies.
| 1598 Greenwey Tacitus' Ann. (1604) 151 Shee should heare the words of the Auspices or hand-fasters. 1647 R. Stapylton Juvenal 206 An auspex to divine by the flying of the birds the future felicity of her marriage. |