AUGUR, an officer among the Romans appointed to foretell future events, by the chattering and feeding of birds. There was a college or community of them, consisting originally of three members with respect to the three Luceres, Rhamnenses, and Tatienenses: afterwards the number was increased to nine, four of whom were patricians and five plebeians. They bore an augural staff or wand, as the ensign of their authority; and their dignity was so much respected, that they were never deposed, nor any substituted in their place, though they should be convicted of the most enormous crimes. See AUGURY.