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.

---

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

---

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

This custom of tanistry applied at first probably to the selection of the successors of a r�g, but was gradually so extended that even a b�-aire had a tanist.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 4 "Cincinnatus" to "Cleruchy" by Various

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

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

From Irish History and the Irish Question by Smith, Goldwin