Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AU'GUR, n. [L. augur. The first syllable is from avis, a fowl; but the meaning and origin of the last syllable are not obvious.]

1. Among the Romans, an officer whose duty was to foretell future events by the singing, chattering, flight and feeding of birds. There was a college or community of augurs, originally three in number, and afterwards nine, four patricians and five plebeians. They bore a staff or wand, and were held in great respect. – Encyc.
2. One who pretends to foretell future events by omens. We all know that augur cannot look at augur without laughing. – Buckminster.