the ceremony by which the ancient Romans consecrated a person or thing to the gods. It was performed by the augurs (q.v.), who offered prayer to the gods, asking them to show by signs whether they accepted the consecrated object. If the signs appeared favorable, the consecration was regarded as complete. The kings of Rome were inducted by the augurs as the high priests of the people; but the inauguration of the flamens devolved upon the college of pontiffs.