Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

conscience clause

noun

Definition of conscience clause 

: a clause in a general law exempting persons whose religious scruples forbid compliance therewith (as from taking judicial oaths)

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of conscience clause

1859, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about conscience clause

Share conscience clause

Statistics for conscience clause

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for conscience clause

The first known use of conscience clause was in 1859

See more words from the same year

Comments on conscience clause

What made you want to look up conscience clause? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

noisome

noxious or harmful

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

A Thanksgiving Word Quiz

  • a-traditional-thanksgiving-dinner
  • November comes from a word for which of the following numbers?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games