Patronage of USA epics doubtful (8)
I believe the answer is:
auspices
'patronage' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'of usa epics doubtful' is the wordplay.
'of' indicates an anagram (the answer comes from or 'of' the letters).
'doubtful' is an anagram indicator.
'usa' anagrammed gives 'aus'.
'epics' is an anagram of 'pices'.
'aus'+'pices'='AUSPICES'
(Other definitions for auspices that I've seen before include "Good offices" , "Under these, you have the help, support or protection of someone" , "Omens or patronage for USA epics" .)