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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