tanist

[ tan-ist, thaw-nist ]

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.

tanist

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈtanistry, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tanist¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tanist¹

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

Example Sentences

This story must have been an after-thought, to account for what we may suppose to have been a prehistoric Tanist stone.

From Project Gutenberg

Ultramon′tanism, ultramontane or extreme views as to the Pope's rights; Ultramon′tanist, one who holds to ultramontanism.

From Project Gutenberg

The "tanist" stood next to the chief, and was his successor.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Very often the sons refused to accept the tanist, and bloody quarrels followed.

From Project Gutenberg