Definition 1: Breastplate or shield; protection or patronage.

Usage 1: Some dictionaries now allow the spelling "egis" but Dr. Language does not. Be careful to spell this word as it has traditionally been spelt: "aegis" or "ægis," now that we have the ligature "ae" (named "ash") on our word processors. "Under the auspices" and "under the aegis (of the parents' association)" are similar in meaning but remember, "auspice" connotes a favorable situation. "Under the aegis of someone" suggests a level of control, perhaps even protection against unfavorable forces, not suggested by "auspice."

Suggested usage: Remember that today's word refers basically to sponsorship: "Fenwick is rising up the company ladder quickly under the aegis of that old goat in marketing." It does connote protection, though, "The Northern Alliance overthrew the Taliban under the aegis of the same US military that paved the Taliban's way to power in the 1980s."

Etymology: The English language is pervaded by the remains of Greek goats. Today's word comes from Greek aigis "goatskin" from aix, aig- "goat" akin to Armenian ayc "goat." The original shields and breastplates of the Greeks were made of goatskin, which explains the connection between goats and shields. Since shields are protectors, it is but a short skip from the meaning of "shield" to that of "protection" and "patronage." "Tragedy" is also a goat-word, coming from tragoidos "goat-song": tragos "male goat" + ode "song." Apparently, drama developed from festivals in honor of Dionysius, who is closely associated with goats. English happily herds them all aboard its lexical ark.