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tanist

[tan-ist, thaw-nist]

Origin

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.

Origin:
1530–40; < Irish tánaiste second, substitute, heir by election

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Tanist is always a great word to know.

So is ninnyhammer. Does it mean:

a fool or simpleton; ninny.

an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.

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Collins

World English Dictionary

tanist (ˈtænɪst)

—n
	history the heir apparent of a Celtic chieftain chosen by election during the chief's lifetime: usually the worthiest of his kin

[C16: from Irish Gaelic tánaiste, literally: the second person]

'tanistry

—n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

tanist

"elected heir of a Celtic chief," 1538, from Gael. tanaiste, lit. "parallel, second," from O.Ir. tanaise "designated successor," from Celt. *tani-hessio- "one who is waited for."

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tanist

tan·ist