days of grace

American  

noun

1. days, usually three, allowed by law or custom for payment after a bill or note falls due.

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days of grace British  

plural noun

1. days permitted by custom for payment of a promissory note, bill of exchange, etc, after it falls due

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Etymology

Origin of days of grace

1840–50; translation of Latin diēs grātiae

Example Sentences

Last week Beck's 60 days of grace ironically backfired, for they had extended as well the six-year period in which the Federal Government could move against him for tax evasion.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the two days of grace before the new rules became effective, the market had its busiest days in over five years.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the 56 days of grace thus won, Hilaly will have to work two miracles that others before him have been unable to accomplish in 25 years.

From Time Magazine Archive

Once Kennedy was President," says Mauldin, "I didn't even give him the usual 100 days of grace.

From Time Magazine Archive

While we deplore the Arctic chill, The frigid heart, the ice-bound will, We must admire the fossil trace, Still seen, of early days of grace.

From Gleams of Sunshine Optimistic Poems by Chant, Joseph Horatio