conscience clause

noun

: a clause in a general law exempting persons whose religious scruples forbid compliance therewith (as from taking judicial oaths)

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conscience clause was in 1859

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near conscience clause

Cite this Entry

“Conscience clause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conscience%20clause. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!