grandfather clause
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But a grandfather clause allowed already-established stores to continue the practice.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 24, 2023
Arnold Schwarzenegger repealed the so-called grandfather clause on smog checks, which exempted cars older than 30 years.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 26, 2022
Man-Man and Jenny will see no immediate relief: SB 48 has no grandfather clause.
From Slate • Jun. 22, 2020
Scalia retorted: “There most certainly is a grandfather clause — one we have called finality — which says that the Constitution does not require states to revise punishments that were lawful when they were imposed.”
From Washington Post • Jan. 25, 2016
This restriction has been explained as coming down from "the grandfather clause" inserted in early legislation.
From Slave Narratives: a Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves Arkansas Narratives, Part 6 by Work Projects Administration
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
