aus·pice 
(ôspĭs)
(ôspĭs)n. pl. aus·pi·ces (ôspĭ-sĭz, -sēz′)
1. also auspices Protection or support; patronage.
2. A sign indicative of future prospects; an omen: Auspices for the venture seemed favorable.
3. Observation of and divination from the actions of birds.
[Latin auspicium, bird divination, auspices, from auspex, auspic-, bird augur; see awi- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]