Even though I know what this word means and I know something of its etymology (I knew its origin was Greek, for example), I chose to share it with you anyway because I like how it looks on the page and how it sounds when spoken. Besides, this word is not used often enough -- perhaps you can help change this, amigos bonitos? After looking this word up in the dictionary, I have a much clearer understanding for its special etymology so I hope you also enjoy it!
This lovely word was used in The Republican War on Science, by my friend and fellow SciBling, Chris Mooney. This book was recently released in the more affordable trade paperback. If you haven't read this book yet, now is the time (I've read it once already in hard-cover, but never reviewed it, so I am going to rectify that oversight in the near future by reviewing this updated paperback).
aegis (EE-gis) [Origin: 1695-1705; Latin from Greek aigís shield of Zeus or Athena, probably from aig- (s. of aíx goat) + -is n. suffix, from a type of shield made of goatskin]
noun
- Classical Mythology. the shield or breastplate of Zeus or Athena, bearing at its center the head of the Gorgon.
- Protection: a child whose welfare is now under the aegis of the courts.
- sponsorship; auspices: a debate under the aegis of the League of Women Voters.
- Guidance, direction, or control: a music program developed under the aegis of the conductor.
Also, egis.
Usage: Regulatory reform ultimately failed to pass the Senate. But as we will see [later in the book], many elements of the Gingrich-era package have since been implimented by the administration of George W. Bush -- still in many cases, under the aegis of "sound science."
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