n.a reference to the internal organs (entrails) of birds which, in ancient times, were studied in order to forecast future events, determine the disposition of the gods regarding a matter, etc. For example, in Rome, religious officials (called augurs) would cutopenbirds and give advice in accordance with the appearance of their entrails. This augury, as it was called, was used for such things as discovering whether or not the gods approved or disapproved of a course of action, especially one of a political or military nature.