Augur

(au'gür.) [L.] (Rom. Hist) A public officer appointed to interpret the will of the gods, as expre ed by signs or omens, for national or individual guidance. Their office was one of great importance in the state, as no enterprises or ceremonies were performed unle they declared the omens favorable. Accordingly the members of their college were always elected from the most honorable citizens. Their divinations were called auguries or auspices, between which there is sometimes a distinction made; the latter meaning such as were derived from the inspection of birds, the former being extended to all omens or prodigies whatever. The Augurs bore a staff or wand as the ensign of their authority. From B. c. 300 to Sylla's time, the College of Augurs consisted of9. They were then increased to 15. Julius Cæsar added another. Their office was suppre ed, 309 A. D. [s. 60]