tripos

noun

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”)).

1. A three-legged structure; a tripod.

   “Thales sent the golden tripos, which the fishermen found and the oracle commanded to be “given to the wisest”, to Bias, Bias to Solon, etc.”

   “Scarce had I said, He shook the holy Ground: / The Lawrels, and the lofty Hills around: / And from the Tripos rush'd a bellowing sound.”

2. Any of the final examinations for a BA honours degree.

   “I'm seriously thinking of chucking my tripos and taking up the History Special.”

   “It's time you thought. The Tripos is the beginning of life, not the end. In less than two years you will have got your B.A. What are you going to do with it?”

3. The list of successful candidates in such an examination.