a. rare. [f. L. tripudi-um: see TRIPUDIATE v. and -ARY1.]
1. Rom. Antiq. Denoting a species of divination (called tripudium) from the behavior of birds, esp. of the sacred chickens, when fed.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., I. iv. 16. The conclusions of Southsayers in their Auguriall, and Tripudiary divinations, collecting presages from voice or food of birds.
1656. Blount, Glossogr., Tripudiary divination was by bread rebounding on the ground, when it was cast unto birds, or chickens.
2. Of or pertaining to dancing. (affected.)
1819. H. Busk, Vestriad, III. 396. Which from my data, dicta, and decrees, At once the art tripudiary frees.
So Tripudial a. [cf. med.L. tripudiālis (1237 in Du Cange), OF. tripudial (13th c. in Godef.)] in sense 2 above.
1716. M. Davies, Athen. Brit., II. 138. Theatrical Decorations of Musical, Comical, and Tripudial Interludes.
