aegis
/ˈiːdʒɪs
/noun
1 [in singular] The protection, backing, or support of a particular person or organization: the negotiations were conducted under the aegis of the UN...
- As a quasi-governmental organization, it enjoys protection under the aegis of HM Government.
- These facilities are hidden in various ways, frequently coming under the aegis of innocuous organizations.
- That piece of evidence is the document produced under the aegis of the UN Security Council.
Synonyms
patronage, sponsorship, backing, protection, shelter, umbrella, charge, keeping, care, supervision, guidance, guardianship, trusteeship, support, agency, safeguarding, defence, protectorship, championship, aid, assistance, guaranty;
auspices
archaic ward
2(In classical art and mythology) an attribute of Zeus and Athene (or their Roman counterparts Jupiter and Minerva) usually represented as a goatskin shield.Here the goddess wears her high-crested helmet, and a himation replaces her aegis over the peplos....
- Athena wears her high-crested Attic helmet, a colorful and embroidered peplos, and her aegis.
- That's why he let her use his insignia: the terrible shield, the aegis and his devastating weapon, the ray.
Origin
Early 17th century (denoting armour or a shield, especially that of a god): via Latin from Greek aigis 'shield of Zeus'.
An aegis was originally a piece of armour or a shield, especially that of a god. The word came into English via Latin from Greek aigis ‘shield of Zeus’. It is now often used in the phrase under the aegis of meaning ‘under the protection of’.