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

One of these, called Tanistry, posts plainly illustrated slides explaining historical events such as the Good Friday Agreement, or the Bloody Sunday massacre of 1972, and relating them to contemporary politics.

From New York Times

On the other side was tribalism, with its tie of original kinship instead of territorial subordination; its tanistry; its Brehon law.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

This in "Brehon Law" is known as the "law of Tanistry," and was closely interwoven with the later history of Ireland.

From Project Gutenberg

The succession to every degree of sovereignty was regulated by the law of tanistry, which limited heredity right to the family but not to the individual....

From Project Gutenberg