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