Definition of Exception

Everlasting

EXCEPTION noun

	A thing which takes the liberty to differ from other things of its class, as an honest man, a truthful woman, etc. 'The exception proves the rule' is an expression constantly upon the lips of the ignorant, who parrot it from one another with never a thought of its absurdity. In the Latin, 'Exceptio probat regulam' means that the exception tests the rule, puts it to the proof, not confirms it. The malefactor who drew the meaning from this excellent dictum and substituted a contrary one of his own exerted an evil power which appears to be immortal.

		definition from: *The Devil's Dictionary* by Ambrose Bierce, 1911

Excess

Regular definition:

EXCEPTION:
?k?sep??n n. 1 the act or an instance of excepting; the state of being excepted (made an exception in my case). 2 a thing that has been or will be excepted. 3 an instance that does not follow a rule. øtake exception (often foll. by to) object; be resentful (about). with the exception of except; not including. [ME f. OF f. L exceptio -onis (as EXCEPT)]

Last updated: 9/3/2011 12:48:30