Thursday, September 22, 2011

aegis



aegis [ˈidʒɪs] n.

1.) A shield, or defensive armour; applied in ancient mythology to that of Jupiter or Minerva.
2.) fig. A protection, or impregnable defence. Now frequently in senses 'auspices, control, etc.', especially in phrase "under the ægis (of)" (O.E.D. 2nd Ed.).

Etymology: Latin ægis, adoption of Greek αἰγίς, of uncertain etymology.

"Just where a cloud above the mountain rears
An edge all flame, the broadening sun appears;
A long blue bar its aegis orb divides,
And breaks the spreading of its golden tides;
And now that orb has touched the purple steep
Whose softened image penetrates the deep."
("An Evening Walk", William Wordsworth, 1793)

(Combat de Mars contre Minerve, Jacques-Louis David, 1771)
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Hi all, I've compiled a list of the available prizes for the weekly contest, just to give everyone a little added incentive. It can be found on the contest page. Thanks for reading!

14 comments:

D4 said...

This word could be amazing for a sci-fi ship. "Everyone, get into the Aegis!"

Also, that incentive works.

meandmythinkingcap said...

I knew this word. I like it.

A Beer for the Shower said...

Ah, I see. Yeah, he's one of the cooler profs in the English Dept. And haven't had a chance to get through more than 5% of Walden yet on the Kindle. Damn library books are piling up and I'm a little OCD when it comes to finishing the borrowed stack first. Soon though. Sorry to clutter your comment page with correspondence.

Meri said...

I think I've heard this word but didn't know how what it meant. It seems similar to another word but I can't put my finger on it.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Holy moly! You're clearing out the old bookshelves, aren't you?

Shutterbug said...

Would a chasity belt be considered an aegis?

@D4: It would make for a very cool sci-fi ship name!

Unknown said...

I knew this word but didn't know how to pronounce and now I do.

Also, just had a look at the list of books/prizes. Looks like a beautiful library of books. And I saw some Vonnegut and I squeed a little like a fan girl - not because I want to win so desperately but because Vonnegut is amazing.

In fact, that list reads like the library I am going to have when I finally settle down and buy a house. (Sorry, I'm rambling...)

MRanthrope said...

I agree with D4

Bibi said...

I just went to your contest page... YOU'RE CRAZY! In a nice way, but still crazy! So many books crazy! I'm envious of your library and I've not even seen it.
Anyhow: aegis sounds so different in English. I can't write phonetic so you'll just have to take my word for it, but this is completely different from what I've learned in school.

themajessty said...

You really are dedicated. I'm now drooling a little over all your books.

Also, YOU HAVE BOOKS ABOUT CHESS?

Nerd.

How you manage to get laid is beyond me.

Mai Yang said...

haha..in the Philippines, there's a band name Aegis :)

Unknown said...

Aha, I know this word from playing computer games.

DEZMOND said...

Edmund, what do you mean you didn't know DEZ was available for design work!
I designed at least five or six banners for different blogs around the net (RASHELLE WORKMAN'S, THAT'S WRITE, BARDS AND PROPHETS, WIP IT, HAIRNETS AND HOPES, you have them all in my blogroll) and I also designed everything at my site. And I'm also known for my fashion designs and interior design work and the design of cakes.

Unknown said...

I learned this one from reading Greek myths. And the missile defense system.

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