augury

noun

Etymology: From augur + -y, or from Middle English augurie, from Old French augurie, from Latin augurium.

1. A divination based on the appearance and behaviour of animals.
2. An omen or prediction; a foreboding; a prophecy.

   “In Wordsworth's first preludings there is but a dim foreboding of the creator of an era. From Southey's early poems, a safer augury might have been drawn.”

   “No augury could be hopefuller. The Fates must indeed be hard, the Ordeal severe, the Destiny dark, that could destroy so bright a Spring!”

3. An event that is experienced as indicating important things to come.

   “Evidently he did not mean to be a mere figurehead, but to carry on the old tradition of Wilsthorpe's; and that was considered to be a good thing in itself and an augury for future prosperity.”