To predict or foretell future events, often based on signs or omens. As a noun, refers to an ancient Roman official who interpreted omens.
From Latin augur, possibly from avis (bird) + garrire (to chatter), as Roman augurs interpreted the flight patterns and calls of birds. The practice dates back to ancient Roman religious traditions of the 6th century BCE.
Roman augurs were so important that no major decision could be made without consulting them - they literally shaped the course of an empire by watching birds fly! The phrase 'auspicious' comes from the same root, originally meaning 'bird-watching' favorable signs.
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