'augur' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'augur', where the term referred to a religious official who interpreted omens (especially from birds).

'augur' passed from Latin 'augur' into Old French and Middle English forms and eventually became the modern English word 'augur'; the verb sense 'to predict or portend' developed from the noun.

Initially it meant 'a diviner or interpreter of omens', but over time it evolved into the verb meaning 'to predict or be a sign of' and is used generally to indicate that something foreshadows a future outcome.