Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.