tripos

Meanings

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

Etymology

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 (trípous, “triple-footed”), (from τρι- (tri-, “three”) and πούς (poús, “foot”)).