tanist

(tan′ist, t̸hôn′-)

noun

in early Ireland, the elected heir of a living Celtic chief in a system limiting the choice to the chief's kin

Origin: Ir & Gael tānaiste, next heir, hence lord of a country, lit., second, parallel < OIr tān, estate

See tanist in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The heir apparent to an ancient Celtic chief, elected during the chief's lifetime.

Origin:

Origin: Irish Gaelic tánaiste, second, tanist

Origin: , from Old Irish tánaise; see sed- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms:

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD