Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

[L.

tripus

-odis

, Gr. [GREEK]; [GREEK] (see

) + [GREEK], [GREEK], foot. See

, and cf.

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.

A three-legged frame or stand, usually jointed at top, for supporting a theodolite, compass, telescope, camera, or other instrument.

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.

Noun.

[L. tripus, tripodis; Gr. three, and foot.]

A bench, stool or seat supported by three legs, on which the priest and sibyls in ancient times were placed to render oracles.