Tri'pod, n.
(Synop., § 130), n. [It. & Sp. tripode, Lat. tripus, tripodis, Gr. τρίπους, τρίποδος, from τρι, τρίς, three, thrice, and πούς, ποδός, a foot.] 1. Any utensil or vessel supported on three feet, as a stool, a table, an altar, and the like.
On such a stool the Pythian priest, in the temple of Apollo at Delphi, sat while giving responses to those consulting the Delphic oracle.
Sense 2. (Surv.) A three-legged frame or stand, usually jointed at top, for supporting a theodolite, compass, or other instrument.