Friday word: Aegis

[med_cat]

Ae·gis noun \ˈē-jəs also ˈā-\ : the power to protect, control, or support something or someone


1: a shield or breastplate emblematic of majesty that was associated with Zeus and Athena

2a : protection
b : controlling or conditioning influence

3a : auspices, sponsorship
b : control or guidance especially by an individual, group, or system

Examples

• having no claim to the land under the aegis of the law, the cattle baron decided to claim it by force


• a medical study that was questioned by many because it was done under the aegis of a major pharmaceutical company

Etymology: Latin, from Greek aigis, literally, goatskin, from aig-, aix goat; akin to Armenian ayc goat

First Known Use: 1581

Pics and more info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aegis