adj.
Pronunciation: ' r ī t-f ə l
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century
1 : JUST , EQUITABLE
2 a : having a just or legally established claim : LEGITIMATE <the rightful owner> b : held by right or just claim : LEGAL < rightful authority>
3 : PROPER , FITTING <assured of his rightful place in history ― Brian Duff>
– right · ful · ly \ -f ə -l ē \ adverb
– right · ful · ness noun