auspice
aus.pice \'o.-sp*s\ \-sp*-s*z, -.se-z\ n or aus.pic.es [L auspicium, fr. auspic- auspex diviner by birds, fr. avis b] pl ird + specere to look, look at - more at AVIARY, SPY 1: observation in augury esp. of the flight and feeding of birds 2: a prophetic sign; esp : a favorable sign pl 3: kindly patronage and guidance : PROTECTION