'auster' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'Auster', where it meant 'south wind'.

'auster' derives directly from Latin 'Auster' (the Roman south wind/god) and entered English in learned or poetic contexts referring to the south wind; it corresponds to the Greek 'Notos'.

Initially, it meant 'the south wind' in Latin and as a proper name; over time it has remained largely the same but is now rare or poetic in English, sometimes used to refer more generally to a southerly wind.