[ˈtrʌɪpɒs], (Noun)

Definitions:
- the final honours examination for a BA degree at Cambridge University
(e.g: Part II of the English tripos)


Phrases:

Origin:
late 16th century: alteration of Latin tripus ‘tripod’, with reference to the stool on which a designated graduate (known as the ‘Tripos’) sat to deliver a satirical speech at the degree ceremony. A sheet of humorous verses (at one time composed by the Tripos) was published on this occasion until the late 19th century, on the back of which the list of successful candidates for the honours degree in mathematics was originally printed; hence the current sense