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Where does the word "aegis" come from? It comes from Greek aigis, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).
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Where does the word "aegis" come from? It comes from Greek aigis, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).
Aegis’s story begins in Greek: aigis meant “the shield of Zeus or Athena.” The shield or protective garment of Zeus and Athena in myth. It reached English by 1600s as aegis. Broadened from the mythical shield to any protective backing or sponsorship. Today, aegis means the protection, backing, or sponsorship of a particular person or organization.
- Stage 1 · Greek · ancient aigis "the shield of Zeus or Athena", the shield or protective garment of Zeus and Athena in myth.
- Stage 2 · English · 1600s aegis "protective backing, sponsorship, or authority", broadened from the mythical shield to any protective backing or sponsorship.