augur

Member of a college of Roman priests who interpreted the will of the gods from signs or ‘auspices’ such as the flight, song, or feeding of birds, the condition of the entrails of sacrificed animals, and the direction of thunder and lightning. Their advice was sought before battle and on other important occasions. Consuls and other high officials had the right to consult the auspices themselves, and a campaign was said to be conducted ‘under the auspices’ of the general who had consulted the gods.