aegis

Meaning

Noun

• A mythological shield associated with the Greek deities Zeus and Athena (and their Roman counterparts Jupiter and Minerva) shown as a short cloak made of goatskin worn on the shoulders, more as an emblem of power and protection than a military shield. The aegis of Athena or Minerva is usually shown with a border of snakes and with the head of Medusa in the center.
• Usually as under the aegis: guidance, protection; endorsement, sponsorship.

Origin

• Borrowed from Latin aegis, from Ancient Greek αἰγίς ("goatskin; shield of Athena"), probably from αἴξ, from Proto-Indo-European *h₂eyǵ- ("goat").
• The plural form aegides () is borrowed from Latin aegides, from Ancient Greek αἰγῐ́δες.