auspicate
|aus-pic-ate|
/ˈɔːs.pɪ.keɪt/
read or interpret omens
Etymology
'auspicate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'auspicari', where 'avis' meant 'bird' and 'specere' meant 'to look' (the compound giving the sense 'observer of birds' or 'one who takes auspices').
'auspicate' entered English from Latin (via medieval/late Latin 'auspicari' and 'auspicatus') and was used in early modern English with meanings related to taking auspices or interpreting omens.
Initially, it meant 'to observe birds for omens' in a ritual or religious sense, but over time it broadened to mean 'to predict or interpret omens or signs' more generally.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act of taking or interpreting auspices; an instance of divination by signs (rare).
Their auspication of the omens led them to postpone the expedition.
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Verb 1
to take or interpret auspices; to divine or predict by observing omens (originally by observing birds); to foretell or decide matters by signs.
Before the council met, the priests auspicated the birds' flight to determine whether the venture was favorable.
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Last updated: 2025/11/21 20:42