Tripod \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.

Note: 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, 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)