tanistry

[Eng. tanist; -ry.] A mode of tenure among various Celtic tribes, according to which the tanist or holder of lands or honors had only a life estate in them, and his succe or was appointed by election. According to this system the right of succe ion was hereditary in the family, but elective in the individual. The primitive intention seems to have been that the inheritance should descend to the 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 wars in families. "The Irish hold their lands by tanistry , which is no more than a personal estate for his life-time that is tanist, by reason he is admitted thereunto by election." -Spenser: State of Ireland.