from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Propitious \Pro*pi"tious\, a. [L. propitius, perhaps originally
a term of augury meaning, flying forward (pro) or well; cf.
Skr. pat to fly, E. petition, feather.]
[1913 Webster]
1. Convenient; auspicious; favorable; kind; as, a propitious
season; a propitious breeze.
[1913 Webster]
2. Hence, kind; gracious; merciful; helpful; -- said of a
person or a divinity. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
And now t' assuage the force of this new flame,
And make thee [Love] more propitious in my need.
--Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: Auspicious; favorable; kind.
Usage: {Propitious}, {Auspicious}. Auspicious (from the
ancient idea of auspices, or omens) denotes
"indicative of success," or "favored by incidental
occurrences;" as, an auspicious opening; an auspicious
event. Propitious denotes that which efficaciously
protect us in some undertaking, speeds our exertions,
and decides our success; as, propitious gales;
propitious influences.
[1913 Webster] -- {Pro*pi"tious*ly}, adv. --
{Pro*pi"tious*ness}, n.
[1913 Webster]