Tripos
/ˈtraɪ.pɒs/noun
A three-legged stand or stool; historically, a Cambridge honors examination.
Did you know?In Cambridge tradition, the term moved from a literal three-legged stool used in academic ceremonies to the name of the university’s honors examination, showing how a physical object can become a symbol of intellectual trial.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Gk
tripous
“three-footed; a three-legged stand”
Late Latin
LL
tripus
“a three-legged stool or stand”
Middle English
ME
tripos
“a three-legged stool used in academic or ceremonial contexts”
16th Century
English
tripos
“a humorous or satirical speech associated with the Cambridge schools”
18th Century
English
Tripos
“the Cambridge honors examination”
Modern English
English
tripos
“a three-legged stand; especially the Cambridge exam”
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