Tri"pod (?), n. [L. tripus, -odis, Gr. ; (see Tri-) + , , foot. See Foot, and cf. Tripos, Trivet.]
1.
Any utensil or vessel, as a stool, table, altar, caldron, etc., supported on three feet.
⇒ On such, a stool, in the temple of Apollo at Delphi, the Pythian priestess sat while giving responses to those consulting the Delphic oracle.
2.
A three-legged frame or stand, usually jointed at top, for supporting a theodolite, compass, telescope, camera, or other instrument.
Tripod of life, ∨ Vital tripod Physiol., the three organs, the heart, lungs, and brain; -- so called because their united action is necessary to the maintenance of life.
© Webster 1913.