tanist

[ˈtænɪst]

tanist Definition

• 1. an elected official who is next in rank to a chieftain in Irish and Scottish Gaelic societies
• 2. a system of succession among the Irish and Scottish Gaelic societies, where the next in line for leadership is elected rather than inheriting the position

Using tanist: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tanist" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The tanist was elected by the tribe's council.

• Example

  The tanistry system ensured that the most capable person would succeed the chieftain.

Phrases with tanist

• tanistry system

  a system of succession among the Irish and Scottish Gaelic societies, where the next in line for leadership is elected rather than inheriting the position

  Example

  The tanistry system ensured that the most capable person would succeed the chieftain.

• tánaiste

  the Irish word for 'tanist', meaning 'heir apparent'

  Example

  The tánaiste was elected by the tribe's council.

Origins of tanist

from Irish 'tánaiste', meaning 'heir apparent'

📌

Summary: tanist in Brief

A 'tanist' [ˈtænɪst] is an elected official who is next in rank to a chieftain in Irish and Scottish Gaelic societies. It also refers to a system of succession among these societies, where the next in line for leadership is elected rather than inheriting the position. An example sentence is 'The tanist was elected by the tribe's council.'