tripod Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a three-legged rack used for support

WordNet

Tri"pod noun
Etymology
L. tripus, -odis, Gr. (see Tri-) + , , foot. See Foot, and cf. Tripos, Trivet.
Definitions
  1. Any utensil or vessel, as a stool, table, altar, caldron, etc., supported on three feet. ✍ 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.

Webster 1913