grandfather clause

American  

noun

1. U.S. History. a clause in the constitutions of some Southern states after 1890 intended to permit white people to vote while disfranchising Black people: it exempted from new literacy and property qualifications for voting those men entitled to vote before 1867 and their lineal descendants.

2. any legal provision that exempts a business, class of persons, etc., from a new government regulation that would affect prior rights and privileges.

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grandfather clause British  

noun

1. history a clause in the constitutions of several Southern states that waived electoral literacy requirements for lineal descendants of people voting before 1867, thus ensuring the franchise for illiterate White people: declared unconstitutional in 1915

2. a clause in legislation that forbids or regulates an activity so that those engaged in it are exempted from the ban

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Etymology

Origin of grandfather clause

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The suit said that the teens, who are identified only by their initials, should be covered under that “grandfather clause” and allowed to continue receiving treatment.

From Seattle Times

Perceived ambiguity over the “vague” grandfather clause has led doctors to stop providing the care, Stewart said.

From Seattle Times

But a grandfather clause allowed already-established stores to continue the practice.

From Seattle Times

Arnold Schwarzenegger repealed the so-called grandfather clause on smog checks, which exempted cars older than 30 years.

From Los Angeles Times

The law includes a grandfather clause that exempts from the ban employees who already are in their positions.

From Washington Post