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, orVital tripod(Physiol.), the three organs, the heart, lungs, and brain; — so called because their united action is necessary to the maintenance of life.