grandfather clause — n: a clause creating an exemption (as from a law or regulation) based on circumstances previously existing; specif: a provision inserted in the constitutions of some southern states after the Civil War requiring high standards of literacy and… … Law dictionary
grandfather clause — ☆ grandfather clause n. 1. a former law in some Southern states waiving electoral literacy requirements for those whose forebears voted before the Civil War, thus keeping the franchise for illiterate whites 2. a clause in some legislation… … English World dictionary
grandfather clause — An existing condition, usually in a contract or other agreement, that cannot be changed, even if the conditions are changed for others … The small dictionary of idiomes
Grandfather clause — A grandfather clause is a term used in U.S. English for an exception that allows an old rule to continue to apply to some existing situations, when a new rule will apply to all future situations. It is often used as a verb: to grandfather means… … Wikipedia
grandfather clause — A provision included in a new rule or regulation that exempts a business that is already conducting business in the area addressed by the regulation from penalty or restriction . Bloomberg Financial Dictionary * * * grandfather clause grandfather … Financial and business terms
grandfather clause — 1. U.S. Hist. a clause in the constitutions of some Southern states after 1890 intended to permit whites to vote while disfranchising blacks: it exempted from new literacy and property qualifications for voting those men entitled to vote before… … Universalium
grandfather clause — noun A clause or section, especially in a law, granting exceptions for people or organisations who were affected by previous conditions. Many building codes include a grandfather clause exempting older buildings until some amount of remodeling… … Wiktionary
grandfather clause — Provision in a new law or regulation exempting those already in or a part of the existing system which is being regulated. An exception to a restriction that allows all those already doing something to continue doing it even if they would be… … Black's law dictionary
grandfather clause — Provision in a new law or regulation exempting those already in or a part of the existing system which is being regulated. An exception to a restriction that allows all those already doing something to continue doing it even if they would be… … Black's law dictionary
grandfather clause — a written statement that protects an employee, a right, a privilege, etc. They can t demote him or delete his position because he has a grandfather clause … English idioms
