![tanist tanist](https://www.tekportal.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/tanist.jpg)
noun History/Historical.
- the successor apparent to a Celtic chief, usually the oldest or worthiest of his kin, chosen by election among the tribe during the chief’s lifetime.
noun
- history the heir apparent of a Celtic chieftain chosen by election during the chief’s lifetime: usually the worthiest of his kin
n.“elected heir of a Celtic chief,” 1530s, from Gaelic tanaiste, literally “parallel, second,” from Old Irish tanaise “designated successor,” from Celtic *tani-hessio- “one who is waited for.”