\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.