ˈrītfəl adjective
Etymology: Middle English rihtful, rightful, from riht, right, n., right + -ful — more at right
1. archaic : disposed to do right : righteous , upright
most rightful judge — Shakespeare
2. : conforming to what is right, just, or moral : thoroughly fair : equitable
a rightful cause
3. : having a right or just claim according to established laws : being or holding by right : legitimate
rightful owner
rightful king
rightful heir
4. : having an appropriate character or status : fitting , proper
proceeded in the rightful order — F.W.Robertson
grimy colliery villages having no rightful place in a rural landscape — L.D.Stamp
rightful objectives
5. : held by right : possessed by just claim : legal
rightful share
rightful inheritance
rightful authority
Synonyms: see due