What is the definition of Grandfather clause? | Dictionary.net

GRANDFATHER CLAUSE

\ɡɹˈandfɑːðə klˈɔːz], \ɡɹˈandfɑːðə klˈɔːz], \ɡ_ɹ_ˈa_n_d_f_ɑː_ð_ə k_l_ˈɔː_z]\

Definitions of GRANDFATHER CLAUSE

2006 - WordNet 3.0
2011 - English Dictionary Database

Sort: Oldest first

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

2006 - WordNet 3.0
By Princeton University

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

2011 - English Dictionary Database
By DataStellar Co., Ltd

Word of the day

Snake's-head

Guinea-hen flower; -- so called in England because its spotted petals resemble the scales of a snake's head.

View More

Nearby Words