ˈtrīˌpäs noun
( -es )
Etymology: modification (influenced by Greek nouns ending in -os ) of Latin tripus tripod — more at tripod
1. archaic : tripod
2.
[so called from the three-legged stool on which he sat at the disputation]
a.
(1) usually capitalized : a Bachelor of Arts (as at Cambridge University) formerly appointed to dispute humorously or satirically at commencement with candidates for degrees
(2) or tripos verses : a set of humorous verses originally composed by this official but following the abolition of his office published independently at each commencement until 1894
(3) : the list of successful candidates for honors printed on the back of a paper containing tripos verses
b.
(1) : the final examination instituted in the first half of the 18th century for honors in mathematical science (as at Cambridge university) — compare optime , wrangler
(2) : the final honors examination in classics to which formerly only those were admitted who had previously obtained honors in mathematics
(3) : a final honors examination (as at Cambridge university) in a subject (as theology) other than mathematics and classics
c. : an honors course or school (as at Cambridge university)