tanist

American  

[tan-ist, thaw-nist] / ˈtæn ɪst, ˈθɔ nɪst /

noun

History/Historical.

1. the successor apparent to a Celtic chief, usually the oldest or worthiest of his kin, chosen by election among the tribe during the chief's lifetime.

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tanist British  

/ ˈtænɪst /

noun

1. history the heir apparent of a Celtic chieftain chosen by election during the chief's lifetime: usually the worthiest of his kin

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Other Word Forms

• tanistry
  noun

Etymology

Origin of tanist

First recorded in 1530–40, tanist is from the Irish word tánaiste second, substitute, heir by election

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tanist

To avert strife his tanist, or successor, was elected in his lifetime.

From Irish History and the Irish Question by Smith, Goldwin

An assembly when convened by the Bruigh-fer for the special purpose of electing a tanist or successor to the king was called a Tocomra.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 4 "Bradford, William" to "Brequigny, Louis" by Various