THE FIRST WORD

aegis

PRONUNCIATION:

(EE-jis) 

MEANING:

noun: Protection, support, guidance, or sponsorship of a particular person or organization.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin aegis, from Greek aigis (goatskin), from aix (goat). Aigis was the name of the shield or breastplate of Zeus or Athena in Greek mythology. It was made of goatskin. Earliest documented use: 1704.

USAGE:

"The French hope that by April an African force will have come under the UN's aegis."
The Battle Moves to the Mountains; The Economist (London, UK); Feb 9, 2013.