\Ten"ant\, n. [F. tenant, p. pr. of tenir to hold. See
{Tenable}, and cf. {Lieutenant}.]
1. (Law) One who holds or possesses lands, or other real
   estate, by any kind of right, whether in fee simple, in
   common, in severalty, for life, for years, or at will;
   also, one who has the occupation or temporary possession
   of lands or tenements the title of which is in another; --
   correlative to landlord. See Citation from --Blackstone,
   under {Tenement}, 2. --Blount. Wharton.
2. One who has possession of any place; a dweller; an
   occupant. ``Sweet tenants of this grove.'' --Cowper.
         The hhappy tenant of your shade.      --Cowley.
         The sister tenants of the middle deep. --Byron.
{Tenant in capite} [L. in in + capite, abl. of caput head,
   chief.], or {Tenant in chief}, by the laws of England, one
   who holds immediately of the king. According to the feudal
   system, all lands in England are considered as held
   immediately or mediately of the king, who is styled lord
   paramount. Such tenants, however, are considered as having
   the fee of the lands and permanent possession.
   --Blackstone.
{Tenant in common}. See under {Common}.

\Ten"ant\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Tenanted}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Tenanting}.]
To hold, occupy, or possess as a tenant.
      Sir Roger's estate is tenanted by persons who have
      served him or his ancestors.             --Addison.