aegis

Meaning

1. A mythological shield associated with the Greek deities Zeus and Athena (and their Roman counterparts Jupiter and Minerva) shown as a short cloak made of goatskin worn on the shoulders, more as an emblem of power and protection than a military shield. The aegis of Athena or Minerva is usually shown with a border of snakes and with the head of Medusa in the center.
2. Usually as under the aegis: guidance, protection; endorsement, sponsorship.

Synonyms

protection

auspices

shelter

shield

🛡️

egis

sponsorship

breastplate

cover

armour

safeguard

defence

refuge

safekeeping

safeness

sanctuary

sconce

screen

shielding

thawing

vindication

warming

chest protector

safety

auspice

buffer

cap

conservation

cote

defense

indemnity

patronage

plastron

recourse

Hyphenated as

ae‧gis

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈiːd͡ʒɪs/

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin aegis, from Ancient Greek αἰγίς (aigís, “goatskin; shield of Athena”), probably from αἴξ (aíx, “goat”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂eyǵ- (“goat”).
The plural form aegides (IPA⁽ᵏᵉʸ⁾: /ˈiːd͡ʒɪdiːz/) is borrowed from Latin aegides, from Ancient Greek αἰγῐ́δες (aigídes).