an instance that does not conform to a rule or generalization(noun.cognition)
Example: All her children were brilliant; the only exception was her last child.
An exception tests the rule.
source: wordnet30
grounds for adverse criticism(noun.communication)
Example: His authority is beyond exception.
source: wordnet30
The act of excepting or excluding; exclusion; restriction by taking out something which would otherwise be included, as in a class, statement, rule.(noun)