tripos

Meaning

Noun

• A three-legged structure; a tripod.
• Any of the final examinations for a BA honours degree.
• The list of successful candidates in such an examination.

Origin

• Alteration of tripus, as though with a Greek ending. For the examination: the word is supposed to refer to the three-legged stool formerly used at the examinations for these honours, though some derive it from the three brackets formerly printed on the back of the paper.
  
  
• The etymon of tripus is the Ancient Greek τρίπους ("triple-footed"), (from τρι- and πούς).