Definition of Tanisry

Tanistry, a method of tenure which prevailed among the Gaelic Celts; according to this custom succession, whether in office or land, was determined by the family as a whole, who on the death of one holder elected another from its number; the practice was designed probably to prevent family estates falling into the hands of an incompetent or worthless heir.

Tan"ist*ry (?), n. [See Tanist.] In Ireland, a tenure of family lands by which the proprietor had only a life estate, to which he was admitted by election.

&fist; The primitive intention seems to have been that the inheritance should descend to the oldest or most worthy of the blood and name of the deceased. This was, in reality, giving it to the strongest; and the practice often occasioned bloody feuds in families, for which reason it was abolished under James I.

Tan"ist*ry (?), n. [See Tanist.] In Ireland, a tenure of family lands by which the proprietor had only a life estate, to which he was admitted by election.

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