Aegis

Alternative forms

 * ægis, egis

Etymology
From aegis:, from  αἰγίς:, from αἴξ:.

Noun

 * 1) A mythological shield associated with Zeus and Athena shown as a short cloak consisting of a goatskin. The aegis of Athena is usually shown with a border of snakes and with the head of Medusa in the center. The aegis is more an emblem of protection and power than an actual military shield.
 * 2) Protection, guidance. Usually used as ‘under the aegis’ because of its origin as protection of the shield of Athena.
 * 3) Endorsement.
 * 4) Sponsorship.

Synonyms

 * auspices
 * patronage
 * protection

Thesaurus
abetment; advocacy; arm guard; armament; armor; auspices; backing; backstop; bard; beaver; brassard; breastplate; buckler; buffer; bulletproof vest; bulwark; bumper; care; championship; charity; coif; contraceptive; copyright; corselet; countenance; crash helmet; cuirass; cushion; dashboard; dodger; encouragement; face mask; favor; fender; finger guard; foot guard; fosterage; fuse; gas mask; gauntlet; goggles; goodwill; governor; guard; guardrail; guidance; habergeon; hand guard; handrail; hard hat; hauberk; headpiece; helm; helmet; insulation; interest; interlock; jamb; knee guard; knuckle guard; laminated glass; life preserver; lifeline; lightning conductor; lightning rod; lorica; mail; mask; mudguard; nasal; nose guard; pad; padding; palladium; patent; patronage; pilot; plate; preventive; prophylactic; protection; protective clothing; protective umbrella; rondel; safeguard; safety; safety glass; safety plug; safety rail; safety shoes; safety switch; safety valve; screen; seat belt; seconding; security; shield; shin guard; sponsorship; sun helmet; sympathy; tutelage; umbrella; visor; ward; windscreen; windshield