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Tanistry

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• Tanistry
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1911 Encyclopedia Britannica
• Tanistry
The Nuttall Encyclopedia
• 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.