tanist

American

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

noun

History/Historical.

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.

tanist British

/ ˈtænɪst /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

tanist

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

From Irish History and the Irish Question by Goldwin Smith

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

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023