- grandfather⇄adj. (U.S.) having to do with or based on a grandfather clause.
Ex. a grandfather exemption from a new law. - grandfather⇄grandfather orgrandfather's clock
a clock in a tall, wooden case, which stands on the floor. - grandfather⇄grandfather, noun, adjective, verb.
- grandfather⇄noun 1. the father of one's father or mother.
2. any forefather.
3. (Figurative.) forerunner; predecessor. - grandfather⇄v.t. (U.S.) to exempt under a grandfather clause.
Ex. As a subdivision that had been filed before the new laws went into effect, Chambers Point was exempt from their requirements--what real estate people call ""grandfathered"" (New Yorker).