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Arnold Schwarzenegger repealed the so-called grandfather clause on smog checks, which exempted cars older than 30 years.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

In 1898 Louisiana passed an amendment inventing the so-called "grandfather clause."

From A Social History of the American Negro Being a History of the Negro Problem in the United States. Including A History and Study of the Republic of Liberia by Brawley, Benjamin Griffith