grandfather clause

grandfather clause

noun

Definition of GRANDFATHER CLAUSE

: a clause creating an exemption based on circumstances previously existing; especially : a provision in several southern state constitutions designed to enfranchise poor whites and disenfranchise blacks by waiving high voting requirements for descendants of men voting before 1867

Examples of GRANDFATHER CLAUSE

1. Because of a grandfather clause, the strict emission standards only apply to new cars.

First Known Use of GRANDFATHER CLAUSE

1900

Rhymes with GRANDFATHER CLAUSE

make common cause, male menopause, probable cause