Tanistry
Dictionary of Terms and Phrases Used in American or English Jurisprudence · Benjamin Vaughan Abbott · 1879
Dictionary of Terms and Phrases Used in American or English Jurisprudence
An ancient system of tenure, which prevailed in Ireland, and allotted the inheritance of lands, castles, &c., to the oldest and most worthy and capable person of the deceased's name and blood, without any regard to proximity. This, in reality, was giving it to the strongest, and naturally occasioned bloody wars in families; for which reason it was abolished under James I. See 3 Hall. Const. Hist. 377, ch.
18.