grandfather
grand-fa-ther · noun
Definitions
noun
- 1.
The father of one's father or mother.
- 2.
A male ancestor; a forefather.
- 3.
To exempt from new regulations or requirements (grandfather in/out).
Forms
plural: grandfathers
Phrases & expressions
- •grandfather clock — A tall pendulum clock in a wooden case.
- •grandfather clause — A provision exempting existing situations from new rules.
- •grandfathered in — Allowed to continue under old rules.
- •great-grandfather — The father of one's grandparent.
Related words
Etymology
From Middle English, from grand + father. The "grand" prefix, from Old French grant, indicates a generation removed.