1. a system of succession in which leadership passes to an elected member of the ruling family rather than automatically to the eldest son
Usage: historical; Celtic

Examples

• Under tanistry, the most capable member of the royal clan could be chosen as heir.
• Irish and Scottish clans traditionally used tanistry to select their leaders.
• The system of tanistry prevented weak rulers from automatically inheriting power.
• Tanistry differed from European primogeniture by allowing the clan to choose the successor.
• The practice of tanistry ensured that only qualified candidates could become chief.
• Medieval Celtic societies relied on tanistry to maintain strong leadership.