WordNet-Online
Free dictionary and thesaurus of English. Definitions, synonyms, antonyms and more...
Hint: double-click any word to get it searched!

Google
 

grandfather clause

 

Definitions from WordNet

Noun grandfather clause has 1 sense
  1. grandfather clause - an exemption based on circumstances existing prior to the adoption of some policy; used to enfranchise illiterate whites in US south after the Civil War
    --1 is a kind of
    exemption, freedom

Definitions from the Web

Grandfather Clause

A grandfather clause refers to a provision or rule that exempts certain individuals or entities from adhering to a new law, regulation, or requirement based on their pre-existing status or conditions.

Meaning

As a noun:

  1. Legal sense: A clause in a law that exempts or protects certain individuals or businesses from the effects of a new legislation by allowing them to continue under the old requirements.
  2. Social sense: A provision that allows present members of an organization, community, or profession to maintain certain privileges or rights that would not be granted to new members.

Sample Sentences

Legal sense:

  1. The new zoning regulations required all new buildings to have a parking lot, but existing structures were exempted under the grandfather clause.
  2. The state introduced stricter gun control laws, but anyone who owned a firearm before the law's implementation would be protected by the grandfather clause.

Social sense:

  1. Only individuals who were active members of the club before a certain date are permitted to vote, thanks to the grandfather clause in the bylaws.
  2. The new union contract provided enriched benefits for new employees, while those hired before the agreement would keep their existing benefits due to the grandfather clause.

Related Products

Explore related products on Amazon.

grandes grandest grandeur grandeure grandeurize grandeurizing grandfair grandfather grandfather clause grandfather clock grandfather s grandfathered grandfathers grandfathers rights grandfeathers grandforks grandi

Sponsored (shop thru our affiliate link to help maintain this site):

WordNet-Online
Home | Free dictionary software | Copyright notice | Contact us | WordNet dictionary | Automotive thesaurus