Patronage of USA epics doubtful (8)
I believe the answer is:
auspices
'patronage' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
'usa epics doubtful' is the wordplay.
'doubtful' is an anagram indicator.
'usa'+'epics'='usaepics'
'usaepics' anagrammed gives 'AUSPICES'.
'of' acts as a link.
(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" .)