aegis

Latin > English (Lewis & Short)

aegis: ĭdis, f., = αἰγίς, ίδος.
I The œgis.
   A The shield of Jupiter, Verg. A. 8, 354; Sil. 12, 720.—
   B The shield of Minerva, with Medusa's head, Verg. A. 8, 435: contra sonantem Palladis aegida, Hor. C. 3, 4, 57; so Ov. M. 2, 753; 6, 78 al.—Hence,
II Transf.
   A A shield, defence.—So only Ovid of the jewelry by which maidens try to conceal their ugliness: decipit hac oculos aegide dives Amor, R. Am. 346.—
   B In the larch-tree, the wood nearest the pith, Plin. 16, 39, 73, § 187.