tanist

[tan-ist, thaw-nist]

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.

Origin of tanist

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for tanist

Historical Examples of tanist

The "tanist" stood next to the chief, and was his successor.
The Poem-Book of the Gael
Various
To avert strife his tanist, or successor, was elected in his lifetime.
Irish History and the Irish Question
Goldwin Smith
Other monoliths are probably the Tanist Stones, where the new chief or king was elected, and sworn to protect and lead his people.
The Archaeology and Prehistoric Annals of Scotland
Daniel Wilson
The use of the Tanist Stone is, like so many other primitive customs, of Eastern origin, and traceable to a very remote era.
The Archaeology and Prehistoric Annals of Scotland
Daniel Wilson
Very often the sons refused to accept the tanist, and bloody quarrels followed.
Ireland under the Tudors, Volume I (of II)
Richard Bagwell

British Dictionary definitions for tanist

tanist

noun

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

Derived Formstanistry, noun

Word Origin for tanist

C16: from Irish Gaelic tánaiste, literally: the second person

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

Word Origin and History for tanist

"elected heir of a Celtic chief," 1530s, from Gaelic tanaiste, literally "parallel, second," from Old Irish tanaise "designated successor," from Celtic *tani-hessio- "one who is waited for."