a clause in a law or contract exempting persons with moral scruples
conscience clause in American English
a clause in a law exempting those whose religious or moral principles forbid compliance
conscience clause in American English
noun
a clause or article in an act or law that exempts persons whose conscientious or religious scruples forbid their compliance
Word origin
[1865–70]This word is first recorded in the period 1865–70. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: black belt, dunk, goulash, maverick, steamroller