tanistry

[ tan-uh-stree, thaw-nuh- ]

noun

1. the system among various Celtic tribes of choosing a tanist.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tanistry¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; tanist + -ry

Example Sentences

Tanistry continued in force there until the beginning of the last century.

From Project Gutenberg

The law of succession, called tanaisteacht, or tanistry, is one of the most peculiar of the Brehon laws.

From Project Gutenberg

Freehold and leasehold, primogeniture and entail, took the place of tribal ownership and tanistry.

From Project Gutenberg

The customs of "gavelkinde" and "tanistry" were attended with the same absurdity in the distribution of property.

From Project Gutenberg

Notwithstanding the above decision, it is probable that a description of tanistry and gavelkind does not exhaust the subject.

From Project Gutenberg