Definition of AEGIS

aegis

Plural: aegides, aegises

Noun

  • The protection, backing, or support of a particular person or organization.
  • kindly endorsement and guidance
  • armor plate that protects the chest; the front part of a cuirass
  • 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.
  • Usually as under the aegis: guidance, protection; endorsement, sponsorship.

Examples

  • He placed his word under the aegis of a triple-word score.

Origin / 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 (/ˈiːd͡ʒɪdiːz/) is borrowed from Latin aegides, from Ancient Greek αἰγῐ́δες (aigĭ́des).

Scrabble Score: 6

aegis: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
aegis: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
aegis: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 7

aegis: valid Words With Friends Word