auspices [ noun ] kindly endorsement and guidance <noun.act> the tournament was held under the auspices of the city council
Auspice \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.
Note: In this sense the word is generally plural, auspices; as, under the auspices of the king.