How Does Tanistry Work?

Tanistry, a custom among various Celtic tribes

—notably in Scotland and Ireland—by which the king or chief of the clan was elected by family heads in full assembly. ... This system of succession left the headship open to the ambitious and was a frequent source of strife both within families and between clans.

How does Tanistry elective work?

Ireland, for instance, has a special system called Tanistry Elective, in which the ruler and all vassals of one and two ranks below nominate someone to the office of the Tanist, which is traditionally a second-in-command position to the chieftain or king.

What is the law of Tanistry?

: an early Irish law of succession by which the heir or successor of a chief or king is appointed during the lifetime of the reigning chief, is not necessarily his oldest son, is generally the worthiest and wisest of the male relatives of the chief, and is elected by the people from among the eligible candidates but ...