Exception to the conditions of a rule

Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports
1

What’s the meaning of the expression, “That’s the exception that proves the rule?”

It would seem to me that a sensible meaning would be an excepetion to the conditions of a rule (to which the rule could not be extended) proves it a good rule.

For instance, consider head and facial hair on people. The rule “Men can have beards.” has an ‘exception’ Ruth, who is not a man, and doesn’t. The rule “Men have hair.” does not have such an exception, since women have hair too. The first is a better rule IMO.

Does anyone see what I’m saying?
(edited to fix link - don’t forget the http:// )

[Edited by Arnold Winkelried on 12-06-2001 at 11:35 PM]

2

I don’t see how what you’re saying differs from the “Last Word on Exceptions” section at the bottom of the subject article. [Link provided in OP doesn’t work.]

3

Oh. Thanks. I swear by all that is holy that that wasn’t there when I read the article.

Everybody ignore this.

God, I’m glad none of you know me IORL.