I. ˈtrīˌpäd noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin tripod-, tripus, from Greek tripod-, tripous three-footed, from tri- three + pod-, pous foot — more at tri- , foot
1.
a. : a vessel (as a pot or caldron) resting on three legs or feet
b.
(1) : the seat of the priestess of Apollo at Delphi in ancient Greece when delivering oracles
a tone … less reminiscent of the priestess on the tripod — B.N.Cardozo
(2) : an oracular seat held to resemble the one at ancient Delphi
after the inauguration … the editor returned to his tripod — Arthur Krock
2. : a structure or piece of apparatus (as a stool, table, or altar) supported on three legs
3.
a. : a three-legged support ; especially : a three-legged stand used to support a portable instrument (as a camera) and usually consisting of a small table or head jointed to each of the three legs which are often telescopic
b. : a frame set in a field on which hay is piled for curing
4.
a. : a tripodal bone
b. : a sponge spicule having three equal rays
II. adjective
: having or supported on three feet or legs
a tripod vase