tanist
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
1Words Nearby tanist
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How to use tanist in a sentence
This story must have been an after-thought, to account for what we may suppose to have been a prehistoric tanist stone.
Roman Mosaics | Hugh MacmillanUltramon′tanism, ultramontane or extreme views as to the Pope's rights; Ultramon′tanist, one who holds to ultramontanism.
The "tanist" stood next to the chief, and was his successor.
The Poem-Book of the Gael | VariousTo avert strife his tanist, or successor, was elected in his lifetime.
Irish History and the Irish Question | Goldwin SmithVery 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
/ (ˈtænɪst) /
history the heir apparent of a Celtic chieftain chosen by election during the chief's lifetime: usually the worthiest of his kin
Origin of tanist
1Derived forms of tanist
- tanistry, noun
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
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