tanistry Definition
a system of succession to a chieftainship or other leadership role in which the heir is chosen from among qualified candidates by vote of the family or community elders.
Using tanistry: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tanistry" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The clan's tanistry was disrupted by internal conflicts.
Example
Tanistry was a common practice among the ancient Celts.
Example
The tanistry system was abolished in the 17th century.
tanistry Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for tanistry
Phrases with tanistry
the person who is next in line for a chieftainship or other leadership role under the tanistry system
Example
The tanist was chosen by the clan elders.
a system of land tenure in which land is divided equally among all sons upon the death of the father, practiced in some parts of medieval Europe
Example
Gavelkind was a common practice in England before the Norman Conquest.
a system of inheritance in which the eldest son receives all or the largest share of the inheritance, practiced in some societies
Example
Primogeniture was the norm in many European monarchies.
Origins of tanistry
from Irish Gaelic 'tanaiste', meaning 'heir apparent'
Summary: tanistry in Brief
The term 'tanistry' [ˈtænɪstri] refers to a system of succession to a leadership role in which the heir is chosen by vote of the family or community elders. It was a common practice among the ancient Celts and was abolished in the 17th century. The tanist is the person who is next in line for the leadership role under the tanistry system.
