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单词 right
释义

rightn.

Brit. /rʌɪt/, U.S. /raɪt/
Forms:

α. early Old English reoht (Kentish), early Old English riaht (Kentish), Old English reht (chiefly Anglian), late Middle English reght, late Middle English reghte, late Middle English reyght, late Middle English reyte, late Middle English reythe; Scottish pre-1700 recht, pre-1700 reicht, pre-1700 reycht, pre-1700 reyt, pre-1700 reyth; Irish English (Wexford) 1800s reicht.

β. Old English hriht (rare), Old English rieht (rare), Old English (rare)–Middle English rict, Old English (rare)–Middle English riþt, Old English–Middle English ryht, Old English–1500s riht, early Middle English ricst, early Middle English rid, early Middle English rihht ( Ormulum), early Middle English ryhyt, Middle English rgit (in copy of Old English charter), Middle English rich, Middle English richȝ, Middle English richte, Middle English ricth, Middle English riȝht, Middle English riȝhte, Middle English rigt, Middle English riȝt, Middle English riȝte, Middle English riȝth, Middle English riȝtt, Middle English riȝtte, Middle English rihte, Middle English rihtt- (inflected form), Middle English rijt, Middle English rist, Middle English rit, Middle English rith, Middle English ritht, Middle English rithte, Middle English rizt (in copy of Old English charter), Middle English rych, Middle English ryȝght, Middle English rygȝt, Middle English rygh, Middle English ryȝht, Middle English rygt, Middle English ryȝt, Middle English rygte, Middle English ryȝte, Middle English rygth, Middle English ryȝth, Middle English ryȝthe, Middle English ryȝtte, Middle English ryte, Middle English ryth, Middle English rythe, Middle English ryþt, Middle English (1600s rare) richt, Middle English 1600s rite, Middle English–1500s rigth, Middle English–1600s righte, Middle English–1600s ryghte, Middle English–1700s ryght, Middle English– right, late Middle English rycht (in a late copy), 1800s reight (U.S. regional); English regional 1800s– raight, 1800s– reet (northern), 1800s– roight; Scottish pre-1700 rhyct, pre-1700 rich, pre-1700 richte, pre-1700 riht, pre-1700 rit, pre-1700 roycht, pre-1700 royght, pre-1700 rych, pre-1700 rycht, pre-1700 rychte, pre-1700 ryght, pre-1700 ryht, pre-1700 ryt, pre-1700 ryth, pre-1700 rytht, pre-1700 wryct, pre-1700 1700s– richt, pre-1700 1700s– right; also Irish English (Wexford) 1700s riaught, 1800s richt.

Origin: A word inherited from Germanic.
Etymology: Cognate with or formed similarly to Old Frisian riucht (West Frisian rjocht , rjucht ), Old Dutch reht (Middle Dutch recht , Dutch recht ), Old Saxon reht (Middle Low German recht ), Old High German reht (Middle High German reht , German recht ) < the Germanic base of right adj. Compare also Old Icelandic réttr , Old Swedish rätter (Swedish rätt ), Old Danish ræt (Danish ret ), which reflect a different formation (u -stem) ultimately < the same Germanic base. In some senses (especially sense 15 and Phrases 3) probably also partly aphetic < i-riht n.In Old English a strong neuter (a -stem); the prefixed form geriht i-riht n. is also commonly attested. The early Kentish form reoht (see α. forms) shows regular breaking of short e before a velar fricative, while the regular Anglian form reht (see α. forms) shows smoothing of the diphthong. In West Saxon, on the other hand, monophthongization and raising before a palatalized fricative followed by a dental consonant (palatal mutation) resulted in the form riht or (with laxed vowel after r ) ryht (originally only word-finally or if followed by a front vowel, but apparently soon extended analogically to such forms as genitive plural rihta ), a change that is also attested in later Kentish sources. Such forms gradually spread northwards in late Old English and early Middle English (compare Older Scots richt beside less frequent recht ). See further A. Campbell Old Eng. Gram. (1959) §§304–11, R. M. Hogg Gram. Old Eng. (1992) I. §§5.113–18, R. Jordan Handb. der mittelenglischen Grammatik (1934) §69. In Middle English the semantic development was probably influenced by similar developments shown by Anglo-Norman and Old French dreit , Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French droit droit n.1, as were a number of phrasal constructions.
I. That which is considered proper, correct, or consonant with justice, and related uses.
†1. The standard of permitted and forbidden action within a particular sphere; law; a rule. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > [noun]
righteOE
lawa1000
assize1303
droit1480
eOE tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (Tanner) iv. v. 276 [Licade] us efencuman æfter þeawe arwyrðra rehta [L. iuxta morem canonum venerabilium] smeagende bi þæm..intingum Godes cirican.
OE Blickling Homilies 135 Þæt hie mihton þurh þa gife þæs Halgan Gastes..oferswiþan þa men þe hie ongeaton þæt wiðerwearde wæron Godes beboda & þæs gastlican rihtes.
OE Antwerp Gloss. (1955) 62 Fas, godes riht. Ius, mennisc riht.
lOE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1129 Se ærcebiscop..bead biscopes..þet hi scolden ealle cumen to Lundene at Michaeles messe & þær scolden sprecon of ealle Godes rihtes.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 7202 Þe laþe gastess þeww. Iss gramm..whann se he seþ þatt godess rihht & godess laȝhe riseþþ.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 451 Ðis lamech was ðe firme man, Ðe bigamie first bi-gan... For ai was rigt and kire bi-forn, On man, on wif, til he was boren.
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Melibeus (Hengwrt) (2003) §559 Ye shul venge yow after the ordre of right, that is to seyn, by the lawe, and nat by excesse ne by outrage.
a1450 (c1412) T. Hoccleve De Regimine Principum (Harl. 4866) (1897) 2612 (MED) We Romayns kepen riȝtes of bataile As trewely as þe rightes of pees; Our custume is no children to assayle.
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende f. 427/1 Grete scyence, bothe in ryght cyuyl and in Cannon.
a1525 Bk. Chess 1059 in W. A. Craigie Asloan MS (1923) I Ligurius..Seand his towne withoutin law or richt..maid xij lawes.
c1580 ( tr. Bk. Alexander (1921) II. ii. 1372 Gif that I lufe that maidin.., I aucht to lufe all hirris,..For that, I hope, is lufis richt.
1610 A. Willet Hexapla in Danielem 356 These doe not distinguish betweene the ceasing of the sacrifices in right and in fact.
1693 J. Tyrrell Bibliotheca Politica (1694) ix. 651 As the King is the greatest in distributing of right, or Law to his Subjects, so ought he to be no more than the least of them in submiting to right judgment if he be Petitioned to.
1717 M. Prior Dove 3 She wak'd, be sure, with strange Surprize; O Cupid, is this Right or Law, Thus to disturb the brightest Eyes, That ever slept, or ever saw?
2. Something proper for, or incumbent on, a person to do; one's duty.The sense ‘a duty, an obligation’ survives regionally in the phrase to have a right to (see sense 9f).
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > [noun] > one's duty, duties, or obligations
righteOE
devoirc1315
due?a1475
vower?a1500
job1841
eOE King Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care (Hatton) (1871) xxi. 159 Ðæt ðonne bið ðæs recceres ryht ðæt he ðurh ða stemne his lariowdomes ætiewe ðæt wuldor ðæs uplican eðles.
OE Genesis A (1931) 1 Us is riht micel ðæt we rodera weard..wordum herigen.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 108 In nidulo meo moriar, þet is ich wule deiȝen inminest..for þet is ancre richte.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 115 Vigilaui ich wes waker for þet is ancre richte Muche for to wakien.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 1270 He bad him maken siker pligt Of luue and trewðe in frendes rigt, Ðat ne sulde him nogwer deren, Oc him and hise helpen and weren.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vii. 3849 Evere it was a kinges riht To do the dedes of a knyht.
a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1881) i. l. 591 I wole parten with þe al þyn peyne If it be so I do þe no comfort As it is frendes right soth for to seyne To entreparten wo as glad desport.
?a1475 Ludus Coventriae (1922) 360 (MED) We schal wachyn and wake as oure dewe and ryth.
1609 J. Skene Regiam Majestatem i. 23 (margin) The maister sould gar his man do richt.
3.
a. That which is consonant with justice, goodness, or reason; something morally or socially correct, just, or honourable.Often contrasted with might and wrong (see also might is right at might n.1 Phrases 5); also, in Middle English, frequently coupled with reason or skill (see by right and reason at reason n.1 Phrases 3b). See also right and law at law n.1 15.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > rightness or justice > [noun]
doomc825
righteOE
evennessOE
lawc1175
righteouslaikc1175
judgementc1300
righteousheada1325
justice1340
rightfulnessa1387
justnessc1443
fairnessc1450
rightfulhoodc1475
rightheada1500
uprightness1541
righteoushood1543
rightship1793
just-mindedness1838
eOE King Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Otho) (2009) I. xxvii. 513 Ne þæt nis nan riht þæt mon þone yflan hatige.
OE Beowulf (2008) 1700 Þæt, la, mæg secgan se þe soð ond riht fremeð on folce.
OE Homily: Sermo ad Populum Dominicis Diebus (Lamb. 489) in A. S. Napier Wulfstan (1883) 298 Unrihtdeman, þe demað æfre be þam sceatte and swa wendað wrang to rihte and riht to wrange.
c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (Royal) (1981) l. 446 (MED) Hit is aȝein riht & aȝein leaue of euch cundelich lahe þet godd..mahe deð drehen.
c1275 (?c1250) Owl & Nightingale (Calig.) (1935) 950 Wraþþe meinþ þe horte blod..An al þe heorte..so for leost al hire liht, Þat heo ne siþ soð neriht.
a1350 in R. H. Robbins Hist. Poems 14th & 15th Cent. (1959) 29 (MED) When ryþt ant Wrong ascenteþ to-gedere..Whenne shal þis be? Nouþer in þine tyme ne in myne.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1865) I. 351 (MED) Men of þis lond..acounteþ riȝt and wrong al for oon.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 29 (MED) Þe wisman wil o wisdom here..þe wrang to here o right is lath.
a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 3154 Thou wolt shame hym..Bothe ageyns resoun and right.
1508 Golagros & Gawane (Chepman & Myllar) sig. diiv Now wil I be obeyand And make ye manrent with hand As right is and skill.
a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 134 I cry him lord of euere full..And verralie that war gryt rycht.
1567 A. Golding tr. Ovid Metamorphosis (new ed.) ix. f. 119 Too age it dooth belong Too keepe the rigor of the lawes and search out ryght from wrong.
?1600 T. Wilson State of Eng. A.D. 1600 5, in Camden Misc. (1936) XVI The strugling of the houses of Lancaster and Yorke, where many times Might hath overcome Ryght.
1609 W. Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida i. iii. 116 Force should be right or rather right and wrong..Should loose their names. View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost viii. 572 Self-esteem, grounded on just and right Well manag'd. View more context for this quotation
1737 Gentleman's Mag. Mar. 131/1 You must acknowledge a Distinction betwixt Right and Wrong, founded in Nature,..by which Actions may be call'd just or unjust.
1757 W. Wilkie Epigoniad iv. 118 So let their blood be shed, who scorning right, Shall impiously dare its ties to slight.
1832 Ld. Tennyson Œnone in Poems (new ed.) 59 Because right is right, to follow right Were wisdom.
1850 G. Grote Hist. Greece VIII. ii. lxvii. 463 There was no man..who might not be cast or condemned, or fail in his own suit, even with right on his side.
1884 W. C. Smith Kildrostan 46 We judge a stranger by our home-bred ways, Who, maybe, walks by other rule of right.
1956 J. Wyndham Seeds of Time (1960) 159 ‘So young, Terry. So sure of right and wrong. It's rather sweet.’
1959 D. Lessing Each in his own Wilderness 30 Yet on you go, jolly and optimistic that right will prevail.
2003 C. Mendelson Daughters of Jerusalem 303 They cannot fault his grammar, or his extemporizations; he has, without question, right on his side.
†b. The fact or position of having justice, reason, or fact on one's side. Chiefly in to have right (cf. senses Phrases 1a(d), 8). Obsolete (archaic in later use).
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > rightness or justice > [noun] > fact or position of being in the right
rightOE
OE Homily (Hatton 113) in A. S. Napier Wulfstan (1883) 99 Hy eac..mid manegum godum þingum geswutelodon, þæt hy riht hæfdon.
a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 4543 Resoun hadde bothe skile and ryght Whanne she me blamed.
a1450 Generides (Pierpont Morgan) (1865) 5534 Right maketh a feble man strong.
c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 69 Had the pape clement had rycht, his folk had nocht bene jn bataill disconfyte.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin 409 (MED) Thei haue right to go, for the abidinge here for hem is not goode.
1565 T. Cooper Thesaurus at Jus The indifferent iudge attributed victorie to him..to whome right appeared.
1604 T. Wright Passions of Minde (1620) 117 Whether you have right or wrong, I knowe you must have the last word.
1658 T. Burton Diary (1828) II. 428 The excluding of the old peerage, which have right and are a considerable party.
1798 C. Leftley tr. J. W. von Goethe Clavidgo i. v. 14 The sense of a good cause shall confirm my resolution, and trust me, if we have right, we will find justice.
1823 W. Scott Peveril III. vi. 160 The bigots have some right when they affirm that all is for the best.
1866 C. Kingsley Hereward the Wake II. viii. 138 ‘The King has right!’ cried Hereward. ‘Let them take the plunder’ [etc.].
c. The true account or interpretation (of a story or event); the facts of a matter. In later use chiefly in plural. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > [noun] > true facts or circumstances
the soothc897
rightOE
trutha1382
the feat ofa1400
verity1422
the whole story1565
fact1578
the right way (also regionally gate) (of)a1628
bottom fact1864
where it's (he's, she's) at1903
inside1904
dinkum1916
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > interpretation > [noun] > true
rightOE
interpretationc1400
strictness1656
OE West Saxon Gospels: Mark (Corpus Cambr.) v. 33 Þa beseah he hine þæt he gesawe þæne ðe þæt dyde. Ðat wif..sæde him eall þæt riht [L. omnem veritatem].
1630 E. Cary tr. J. D. Du Perron Reply to Answeare of King i. v. 26 To know the right of the cause of the Church in one particular question, with one or other Sect, sufficeth not to knowe the Church by the doctrin.
1711 E. Ward Life Don Quixote II. xxix. 122 Thou proud discourteous Knight, Pray stay, and let me know the right Of all things I have ask'd, or by This Arm you shall this Instant dye.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones VI. xviii. ii. 177 There hath been a terrible to do. I could not possibly learn the very Right of it. View more context for this quotation
1751 E. Haywood Hist. Betsy Thoughtless III. xii. 146 I verily believe thou hast hit upon the right.
a1848 F. Marryat Valerie (1849) I. vii. 194 I have never heard the rights of that story.
1853 G. J. Whyte-Melville Digby Grand I. vi. 166 Those ladies who dearly love the last bit of news..and who are never satisfied without learning what they call the rights of it.
1885 J. Hawthorne in Outing Sept. 678 ‘Come with me,’ said Warren. ‘I must know the rights of this business at once.’ And they turned eastward, towards Madison avenue.
1915 A. Conan Doyle Valley of Fear i. vii. 139 Until yesterday, after you gentlemen had seen her, she never knew the rights of the matter.
c1938 D. Lenton Mystery of Ironworks iii. 33 When dinner-time came, many of the hands in the other departments crowded into the shop to ‘learn the rights’ of the morning's incident and see the young hero thereof.
a1957 G. Murray Unfinished Autobiogr. (1960) i. 39 Of course I do not know the rights of the matter, but it was bitterly remembered.
d. Consonance with fact; correctness. Chiefly with modifying phrase. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > freedom from error, correctness > [noun]
rightness?a1425
sureness1589
accurateness1611
right1633
rectitude1656
unerringnessa1674
justness1832
errorlessness1875
1633 J. Monlas Quadrivium Sionis 124 With a great deale of right and equity, wee shall beare the blessed and glorious title of his children.
1750 Adventures Mr. Loveill I. xxvi. 322 His thoughts were no sooner at liberty..than he recollected that those ladies had a great deal of right to them.
1796 E. Burke Two Lett. Peace Regicide Directory France ii. 171 Whether..there was some mixture of right and wrong in their reasoning.
1849 J. Ruskin Seven Lamps Archit. iv. 118 I can but rapidly name the chief conditions of right.
1867 J. Ruskin Time & Tide x. §51 And yet..there was something of right in the terrors of this clerical conclave.
1920 F. M. Eliot Unwrought Iron xx. 142 At the beginning, almost every controversy is one that has something of right and something of wrong on both sides.
e. In plural. Contrasted with wrongs. The just, good, equitable, or correct aspects of something; the points in favour of something.
ΚΠ
1800 T. Dugmore Obs. on inclosing Manor Melbourne 97 By endeavouring to investigate and expose the rights and wrongs of the things to which the subject matter we have had before us relates, it may possibly happen that some disgust may be taken.
1851 Times 2 June 4/3 The clause..must appear to every unlearned mind a fair, clear, and temperate exposition of the rights and wrongs of this question.
1968 L. H. Evers Fall among Thieves 177 The rights and wrongs of ‘lagging’..formed the sole topic of debate.
2001 A. Gurnah By Sea (2002) ii. 54 I don't know the rights and wrongs of it, but we can't just turn them away, can we?
4. Just or equitable treatment; fairness in decision; justice. Frequently and now only in to do (a person) right at Phrases 1a(a).
ΚΠ
OE Agreement between Bp. Wærferð & Æðelwold (Sawyer 1441) in F. E. Harmer Sel. Eng. Hist. Docs. 9th & 10th Cent. (1914) 24 Þa cwædan alle þa weotan þæt mon uðe þære circan ryhtes swa wel swa oþerre.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 52 Ðat heli luue..weldet alle ðinge wit rigt & [s]kil.
c1450 Contin. Lydgate's Secrees (Sloane 2464) l. 2051 (MED) Ryght and the Kyng as brethryn owen to be.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xvi. 598 The gilt spuris..He suld in hy ger hew ȝow fra; Richt vald with cowardis men did swa.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) 2 Chron. vi. 23 Then heare thou from heauen, and se yt thy seruaunt haue righte.
1565 T. Cooper Thesaurus at Jus Nundinatio iuris, sellyng of right and iustice.
1589 T. Lodge Scillaes Metamorphosis (Hunterian Club) 20 Which spectacle of care made Thetis..call on Glaucus, and command her Sonne To yeelde her right.
1642 T. Fuller Holy State i. xi. 34 I can do her memorie no better right, then to confesse she was wrong in somethings.
1691 T. Hale Acct. New Inventions 86 In right to his Majesty and his Service, no less than to it and themselves.
1735 W. Somervile Chace ii. 71 Oh! were a Theban Lyre not wanting here, And Pindar's Voice, to do their merit right!
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth viii, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. II. 240 To petition the King, as a matter of right, that the murder of their fellow-citizen should be inquired into.
5. With the. That which is fair, just, or morally correct; righteousness, justice, truth; esp. the cause of truth or justice. Cf. sense 3.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > [noun]
soothc950
soothOE
rightOE
soothnessc1275
soothness1297
soothshipc1320
soothhead1340
very1382
trotha1387
trutha1391
verity1422
veriment1528
true?1531
trueness1559
veriness1574
reality1604
veracity1664
veridicalness1727
the fact of the matter1808
truthfulness1835
actualité1840
the straight1866
satya1879
straight goods1892
veridicalitya1901
truth value1903
dinky1941
society > morality > rightness or justice > [noun] > that which is
rightOE
skillc1175
right side1642
society > morality > rightness or justice > [noun] > fairness or equity
evennessOE
rightOE
equityc1315
evenheadc1350
charityc1430
evenhood1496
consciencea1538
equalness1548
equality1556
equanimity1607
candour1616
equitableness1648
candidness1661
just1667
both-sidedness1845
OE Old Eng. Hexateuch: Deut. (Claud.) xvi. 20 Fylige rihtlice ðam rihte [L. iuste quod iustum est persequeris], ðæt ðu libbe lange on ðam lande ðe Drihten..ðe sylð.
c1300 St. Thomas Becket (Laud) l. 1111 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 138 (MED) Noble ȝiftes and oþur Iueles with hem al-so heo nome—Þare-with man mai ofte at court þe riȝte bringe to wouȝ.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) Prol. 388 (MED) Thus the riht hath no defence.
c1440 (a1400) Awntyrs Arthure (Thornton) 263 (MED) We..riche rewmes ouer rynnes agaynes the ryghte And wynnes wirchippis and welthis.
c1475 (?c1300) Guy of Warwick (Caius) 3439 (MED) The right is oure; bee not aferde..we woll mete theim with spere and shelde.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms xvi[i]. 1 Heare ye right (O Lorde), considre my complaynte.
1568 A. Scott Poems (1896) ii. 63 The harralde cryd, ‘God schaw the rycht.’
1611 Bible (King James) Isa. x. 2 To take away the right from the poore of my people. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) ii. iii. 55 Here let them end it, and God defend the right . View more context for this quotation
1690 W. Walker Idiomatologia Anglo-Lat. 376 The right itself shineth of itself.
1774 O. Goldsmith Retaliation 40 Too fond of the right to pursue the expedient.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. v. 561 The liberty of governing himself..according to his own sense of the right and of the becoming.
1865 A. Lincoln 2nd Inaug. Address 4 Mar. in Coll. Wks. (1953) VIII. 333 With firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right.
1903 H. James Ambassadors vi. xiii. 181 He guessed at intense little preferences and sharp little exclusions, a deep suspicion of the vulgar and a personal view of the right.
1998 H. S. Becker Tricks of Trade i. 7 This is a case where the ‘right’ is the enemy of the good. What the tricks do suggest is ways to turn things around.
†6.
a. Judicial decision, judgment; a judgment, verdict, or sentence. Also (in quot. a1500): a judge. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > judging > sentencing > [noun] > sentence
doomc900
righteOE
juise1303
sentencec1340
censurec1470
eOE Laws of Ælfred (Corpus Cambr. 173) i. §8. 48 Gif þær ðonne oþer mennisc borg sie, bete þone borgbryce swa him ryht wisie, & ðone wedbryce swa him his scrift scrife.
lOE Laws: Dunsæte (Corpus Cambr.) iii. §2. 376 XII lahmen scylon riht tæcean Wealan & Ænglan: VI Englisce & VI Wylisce.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 210 Hwen dei of richt is iset, ne deð he scheome þe aþis half þe isette dei brekeð þe triwes & wrekeð him.
a1350 in G. L. Brook Harley Lyrics (1968) 69 (MED) When we bueþ dempned after vr dede a domesday, when ryhtes bueþ tolde..to speke þenne we bueþ vnbolde.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Esther i. 13 The king..askide the wise men, that..dide alle thingus bi the counseil of hem, kunnende the lawe and the riȝtis [L. iura; a1425 L.V. ritis] of more men.
1418 in R. W. Chambers & M. Daunt Bk. London Eng. (1931) 200 Theroff was abatyd For Gobettes, By assent, Jugement, & Rychȝt Off all þe seyd partyes, þe Cobettes þat weyden ij c v lb.
a1500 Disciplina Clericalis in Western Reserve Univ. Bull. (1919) 22 39 Than the Right [L. justitia] callid thaccusers and the accused and comaunded that thei shulden Reherse the plees, and so thei diden.
b. Due reward or punishment. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > reciprocal treatment or return of an action > reward or a reward > [noun]
shipec1000
rightOE
yielda1200
hire?c1225
foryieldinga1300
tithinga1300
rentc1300
lowera1325
guerdon?a1366
recompensationa1382
retributionc1384
reward?1387
reguerdona1393
rewardon?a1400
mercimonyc1400
pensionc1400
remunerationc1400
recompensec1425
wardonc1480
salary1484
premiationa1513
requital1556
repayment1561
requite1561
renumeration1572
remisea1578
lieu1592
reguerdonment1599
gratulation1611
muneration1611
requit1786
OE Laws of Cnut (Nero) ii. xxxiii. §1a. 336 And gif hine hwa forene forstande, beon hi begen anes rihtes wyrðe.
lOE Laws: Hundredgemot (Corpus Cambr.) ii. 192 Do ðam ðeofe his riht, swa hit ær Eadmundes cwide wæs.
a1225 (c1200) Vices & Virtues (1888) 105 (MED) Ðes ilche hali mihte iusticia..acseð riht of alle ure misdades and dom.
c1300 St. Brendan (Laud) l. 541 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 234 (MED) In þe brennynde hulle þat ech of eov i-saiȝ Mi [sc. Judas's] riȝte is to brennen Inne boþe nyȝt and dayȝ.
c1475 Mankind (1969) l. 862 (MED) Mercy ys plente tyll deth makyth hys dywysion; But whan ȝe be go, vsque ad minimum quadrantem ȝe scha[ll] rekyn ȝour ryght.
†7. Hunting. The scent, the track; (also) a call of a horn to signify that a hound has found the scent. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > thing hunted or game > [noun] > track
righta1425
view?1516
persue1530
abature1575
blemish1575
foil1575
marks1575
entry1627
gate1677
file1815
stain1832
a1425 Edward, Duke of York Master of Game (Digby) 13 A bolde hounde shulde neuer pleyne nor yowle, but if he were oute of þe reghtes; And also he shulde agayne seche þe rightes.
c1425 Edward, Duke of York Master of Game (Vesp. B.xii) (1904) 105 If he fynde þat he may wel blow þe rigthes and halowe and jopey iii or iiii tymes and crie loude, ‘le voy le voy,’ til þe houndes be come þider.
c1425 Edward, Duke of York Master of Game (Vesp. B.xii) (1904) 97 What houndes þat þei may gete vp bryng hem to þe next rightes if þe witt where, and ellis þer þat he was last seye..and as oft as he fyndeþ and seeþ þat he is in þe ryghtes þe lymer shuld say lowde to tymes or thryes, ‘Cy va Cy va’ and rechace.
II. Legal, moral, or natural entitlement, and related uses.
8. Legal entitlement or justifiable claim (on legal or moral grounds) to have or obtain something, or to act in a certain way; the advantage or profit deriving from this. Now chiefly in to have as much (little, more, etc.) rightcf. to have a right to at sense 9b and to have a (also no) right to (do something) at sense 9d. Cf. title n. 12, 11.See also birth-, common, divine right, at first word; also petition of right n. at petition n. Phrases 1.Formerly also in †to have good right.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > dueness or propriety > [noun] > right or moral entitlement
rightOE
claimc1330
administrationc1384
titlea1400
justice1596
appellation1641
society > morality > dueness or propriety > [noun] > right or moral entitlement > one's due
rightOE
dutyc1386
duec1450
expectativec1540
expectancy1624
expectance1652
society > morality > dueness or propriety > [noun] > right or moral entitlement > a right
rightOE
charter1571
enlargementa1616
rectitude1660
dominiona1797
OE Genesis A (1931) 2153 Nelle ic þa rincas rihte benæman.
lOE King Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Bodl.) (2009) I. xiii. 266 Ic eom swiðe ungemetlice ofwundrad..hwi ge swa ungemetlice wundrigen þara gimma oððe æniges þara deadlicena þinga þe gesceadwisnesse næfð, forðam hie mid nanum syhte [read ryhte] ne magon gearnigan þæt ge heora wundrigen.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 14360 For he hefde rihte to þissere kine-riche.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) ii. 57 Kyng Edward..had gode right vnto þe regalte.
1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) i. 46 Off kingis that aucht that reawte And mayst had rycht thair king to be.
c1510 Gesta Romanorum (E.E.T.S.) 432 As moche ryght haue I in this tree as ye.
a1600 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie (1648) viii. sig. X2 In case it doth happen, that without right of bloud a man in such wise be possessed.
1671 J. Milton Samson Agonistes 310 Who made our Laws to bind us, not himself, And hath full right to exempt Whom so it pleases him. View more context for this quotation
1709 J. Swift Baucis & Philemon 7 Against Dissenters [he] would repine, And stood up firm for Right divine.
1758 S. Johnson Idler 15 Apr. 9 Conscious dulness has little right to be prolix.
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth vii, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. II. 203 But here comes one has good right to do our errand to him.
1868 J. H. Blunt Reformation Church of Eng. I. 191 It was might, not right, which had put her in the position she occupied.
1897 Daily News 11 Dec. 5/7 Right, in its personal application, is indeed never but the underside of duty; turn it uppermost, and everything becomes topsy-turvy.
1930 W. Faulkner As I lay Dying 195 He was a kind of tall, gaunted man sitting on the wagon, saying it was a public street and he reckoned he had as much right there as anybody.
1985 M. Engel in R. Sullivan More Stories by Canad. Women (1987) 24 He argued that, being male, he had more right to an education than she had.
2001 L. Block Hit List 229 A woman has as much right to get killed as anybody else.
9.
a. A legal, equitable, or moral title or claim to the possession of property or authority, the enjoyment of privileges or immunities, etc.; (by extension) an entitlement considered to arise through natural justice (whether or not enshrined in legislation) and which is applicable to all members of a particular group. Cf. sense 11. Frequently in plural and with modifying word.The rights commonly proposed by thinkers of the 17th cent. were natural rights, i.e. powers of acting in conformity with natural law. As belief in natural law fell away, moral rights and human rights, such as to life and liberty, came to be recognized as universal and to follow from being human.See conjugal, fishing, mineral, moral, State rights, etc.; animal, children's, civil, human, minority, natural rights, etc., at first element; also Bill of Rights n., Declaration of Rights at declaration n. 6, Petition of Rights at petition n. Phrases 1.
ΚΠ
OE Agreement between Bp. Wærferð & Æðelwold (Sawyer 1441) in F. E. Harmer Sel. Eng. Hist. Docs. 9th & 10th Cent. (1914) 24 Ða sona was Eðelwald þæs wordes þæt he no þes rihtes wiðsacan wolde.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 3544 (MED) Þou sal neuer forth fra to night In þi forbirth do claim na right.
1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) i. 78 He suld that arbytre disclar,..And lat him ryng that had the rycht.
1491–2 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VII (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1491 §13. m. 6 All suche right, title, interesse, cleyme..as they..have in any of the premisses.
1525 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles II. lii[i]. 188 Let the ryght go to the ryght.
1528–30 tr. T. Littleton Tenures (new ed.) f. xxxviiiiv The donee to whome the release was made than he had nothynge in the lande but onely a ryghte.
1612 Brechin Test. II. in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue f. 213 v Gif my bearne die that ȝe will lat hir inioy the heretable richt.
1681 J. Dalrymple Inst. Law Scotl. (1693) ii. i. 161 All Real Rights are either that original Community of all Men,..Or the Interest which Possession giveth, or Property.
1706 G. Stanhope Paraphr. Epist. & Gospels III. 334 After all our boast of Settlements and Estates, nothing is or can be settled, but the Fee and Original Right in the great universal Lord.
1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey I. 1 Strange!.. That one and twenty miles sailing..should give a man these rights.
1818 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. (ed. 2) I. 172 The husband is entitled to all those rights and privileges which his wife would have had if she were alive, and which were annexed to her estate.
a1853 F. W. Robertson Lect. (1858) 747 Rights are grand things,..but the way in which we expound those rights..seems to me to be the very incarnation of selfishness.
1893 H. D. Traill Social Eng. Introd. p. xiii Association, however, necessarily creates rights and duties; from rights and duties spring law and government.
1915 F. M. Hueffer Good Soldier iv. i. 226 She was really enraged when, after the invention was mature, he made a present to the War Office of the designs and the patent rights.
1963 B. Friedan Feminine Mystique iv. 83 It is a cliché of our own time that women spent half a century fighting for ‘rights’.
1989 Aircraft Illustr. Feb. 74/1 Included in the change-over was the entire responsibility for international air transport affairs and, in particular, the authority of negotiating traffic rights.
2006 Observer 9 Apr. i. 11/2 Universalists argue that certain rights and protections—freedom of speech, democracy, the rule of law—are common or, at least, should be available to all people.
b. A legal, equitable, or moral entitlement to (also rarely †for) something.Frequently in to have a right to.See also right to life n.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal right > [noun]
rightc1275
rightc1440
jure1533
realty1567
justice1596
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) 13182 Oðere londes monie þe Iulius hafde an honde..he naueð nane rihte to.
c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) 7495 A fals king þat nadde no riȝt to þe kinedom.
J. Gaytryge Lay Folks' Catech. (York Min.) (1901) 56 (MED) The tend and the last is that we yerne noght..othir catell That we have no gode title ne no right to.
c1405 (c1375) G. Chaucer Monk's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 240 This kyng was slawe And Darius occupieth his degree Though he ther to hadde neither right ne lawe.
1530 St. German's Secunde Dyaloge Doctour & Student xxv. f. lxx The ioynt tenaunt hath ryght to the hole goodes by the tytle of the suruyuoure.
1567 in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. viii. 9 War ȝour richt reknit to þe croun It mycht be laid with litill menss.
1646 H. Hammond View Exceptions to Visct. Falkland's Disc. Infallibilitie 99 The Turkes..are sensible of the right the Christians..haue for the free exercise of their Religion.
c1680 W. Beveridge Serm. (1729) I. 71 When he hath given it to us, we have a civil right to it.
1710 D. Manley Mem. Europe I. i. 19 He..is not permitted to fill those Vacancies (to which by the Law of War, he has an indisputed Right).
1789 J. Bentham Introd. Princ. Morals & Legisl. xviii. §25 (note) On various occasions you have a right to the services of the magistrate.
1831 D. Brewster Life I. Newton xii. 201 He asserted his own right to the discovery of the differential calculus.
1882 F. W. Farrar Early Days Christianity II. 536 [St Paul] maintained against them his independent right to the highest order of the Apostolate.
1915 W. Cather Song of Lark ii. xi. 236 They're just as clean as white people, and they have a perfect right to their own ways.
1962 S. Raven Close of Play iii. xii. 144 There was a girl here, James Escome's daughter, who said Hugo had taken money from them which he had no right to.
1994 Judicature Mar. 264/3 The vast majority of Americans believes that the right to privacy goes beyond this.
c. With of and a noun or gerund. An entitlement to perform a specified action or to have a certain privilege, power, etc.In early use, the sense of of is equivalent to that of to in sense 9b.right of common, drip, primogeniture, reply, search, way, etc.: see at final element.
ΚΠ
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) ii. 68 (MED) Listen to my resoun, What right þat I haue of Inglond þe coroun After Edwardes dede.
1464 in J. T. Gilbert Cal. Anc. Rec. Dublin (1889) I. 315 Apon the varyaunce of the ryght and tytle of the office of Recordowr.
1549 Act 3 & 4 Edw. VI c. 3 §2 Foreign Tenants have no greater Right of Commoning in the Wood..of any Lord, than the proper Tenants.
1579 Rastell's Expos. Termes Lawes (new ed.) f. 76 Right of entrie, is when one seysed of land in fee, is therof disseised: Now the disseisee hath right to enter into ye land, & may so do when he wyll: or els hee may haue a writ of ryght against the disseisour.
1611 Bible (King James) Tobit vi. 11 I wil speake for her, that she may be giuen thee for a wife. For to thee doth the right of her appertaine.
1641 in J. E. T. Rogers Protests of Lords (1875) I. 6 We whose names are underwritten did disassent, and having, before the putting of the question, demanded our right of protestation, did accordingly make our protestation: That [etc.].
1673 W. Cave Primitive Christianity iii. v. 376 We admit them in the Church to a right of Communication to drink of the Cup of the Bloud of Christ.
1702 H. Dodwell Apol. in S. Parker tr. Cicero Five Bks. De Finibus sig. b5 Authority..had undoubtedly the Right of Life and Death.
1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. III. 178 The alienee..hath not only a bare possession, but also an apparent right of possession.
1798 S. H. Wilcocke tr. J. S. Stavorinus Voy. E. Indies II. 69 The farming of the wine consists herein, that whoever is the farmer has the exclusive right of selling wine and spirituous liquors in smaller quantities than by the half-awm.
1841 W. Spalding Italy & Ital. Islands I. 81 A certain part of the senators..possessed votes without the right of addressing the assembly.
1889 Law Times Rep. 58 163/2 The right of using this road constituted an easement of the farm.
1911 Catholic Encycl. XII. 268/1 Cyprian denies his right of appeal to Rome, and asserts the sufficiency of the African tribunal.
1937 W. Lewis Revenge for Love vii. vii. 401 She had read how they picketed the empty country in times of insurrection, stopping all travellers, with their haughty right of search.
1980 Ld. Denning Due Process of Law v. i. 168 ‘Patrial’ is a word used to describe a Commonwealth citizen who has settled here lawfully for five years or more. He then acquires a ‘right of abode’ here.
2006 Independent 11 Aug. 33/4 The indigenous don't have title to land but under law have perpetual right of occupation.
d. With to-infinitive. A legal, equitable, or moral entitlement to do something. Chiefly in to have a (also no) right to (do something).See also right to die n., right to work n. [Compare Anglo-Norman aveir dreit a (13th cent. or earlier), aveir dreit de (15th cent. or earlier), Middle French avoir droit de (end of the 14th cent. or earlier).]
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal right > [noun]
rightc1275
rightc1440
jure1533
realty1567
justice1596
c1440 (?a1400) Morte Arthure 1275 (MED) Thane sall we rekken full rathe, whatt ryghte þat he claymes, Thus to ryot þis rewme and raunsone the pople!
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. clxi. 196 I shulde make it good on you incontynent that ye haue no right to bere my deuyce.
1591 E. Spenser Prosopopoia in Complaints 524 Some good Gentleman, that hath the right Unto his Church for to present a wight.
1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 194 A Palisadoe..to hinder the fishing of those that have no right to fish.
1681 J. Dryden Absalom & Achitophel 13 If not; the People have a Right Supreme To make their Kings.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 145. ⁋4 He has no Right to act here as if he were in an empty Room.
1784 J. Potter Virtuous Villagers II. 128 Women claim a right to inspect into the indiscretions of their husbands.
1803 J. Mackintosh Wks. (1846) III. 242 He has a right to expect from me a faithful, a zealous, and a fearless defence.
1887 H. R. Haggard Allan Quatermain xvi. 224 We were officers..and in that capacity had a right to come and go unquestioned.
1908 E. F. Benson Climber 50 You have no more right to interfere with other people's minds than you have to cut their hair.
1964 E. Baker Fine Madness xviii. 217 If he had let his temper override his concern for his patient,..then he would no longer have the right to regard himself as a man of science.
2001 R. Jackson Rails across Mississippi xvii. 189 The court ruled that the railroad company had a right to lay the tracks where they were and to use them as they had been used in the past.
e. A document substantiating a claim or title. Now chiefly (Australian) in miner's right n. at miner n.1 Compounds 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal right > right of possession or ownership > [noun] > proof of > document
title?a1400
right1478
title deed1710
muniment deeda1864
society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > evidence > [noun] > documentary evidence > types of
green waxa1350
estreatc1440
streatc1440
right1478
affidavit1515
constat1570
exhibit1702
davy1764
1478 in Acts Lords of Council Civil Causes (1839) I. 4/2 To compere..wt þe evidentis & Richtis þt..he wil vse in þe mater.
1529 in J. Imrie et al. Burgh Court Bk. Selkirk (1960) 102 That bath the parteis produce and schaw thair rychtis, clames and propertteis thai have in to the said tenement..and all utheris evidens nedfull.
1545 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 9 The said Thomas..hes promittit to bring with him sik rychtis as tha will use quharby tha clame the sadis landis to pertene to thame.
1637 S. Rutherford Lett. (1863) I. lxxvii. 198 The man who will not be content with rights to bought land, except he get also the ridges and acres laid upon his back to carry home with him.
1693 Irvine Deeds (MS) in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue (1990) VII. 468/1 And haill rights and wrytes abovespecified.
1751 A. McDouall Inst. Laws Scotl. I. 331 Rights to lands, or other such deeds of importance, not subscribed by two notaries for the party, before four witnesses, are simply null.
1818 W. Johnson Rep. Court of Chancery N.Y. 2 106 Van Rensselaer then had in his hands 63 soldiers' rights of land, purchased by Hart and Cumpston.
1870 J. O. Tucker Mute 42 But who are these to whom the digger yields Obedience prompt, when questioned for his ‘right’?
1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Miner's Right I. i. 1 I am a real gold digger..and the holder of a Miner's Right, a wonderful document, printed and written on parchment.
1948 G. Farwell Down Argent Street 18 Stockie put the facts before him and together they applied..for a miner's right.
2006 M. Simms From Hustings to Harbour Views 61 Miners' rights replaced the much-hated licences.
f. A duty or obligation to do something. Now chiefly regional.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > [noun]
debtc1330
officec1330
obliginga1382
dutyc1385
bondc1449
due?a1475
bounden duty1530
dueness1576
behoof1591
obligement1611
obligationa1616
ought1678
right1752
1752 T. Nugent tr. J. J. Burlamaqui Princ. Politic Law iv. ii. 245 We have a right to succour the distressed purely from humanity, but..we are not under a strict obligation of doing it. 'Tis a duty of an imperfect obligation, and which binds us only so far as we can practise it.
1771 T. Smollett Humphry Clinker I. 172 I have no right to maintain idle vagrants.
1808 E. Sleath Bristol Heiress I. 209 I don't see as how women have any right to be trampled on.
1829 J. Hunter Hallamshire Gloss. (at cited word) ‘I have no right to pay at that toll-bar’, means, I am not obliged to pay there.
1854 A. E. Baker Gloss. Northants. Words II. 174 ‘I have no right to pay’: i.e. I ought not to be compelled to pay.
1892 M. C. F. Morris Yorks. Folk-talk 82 ‘To have a right’ is equivalent to ‘ought’ or ‘in duty bound’, in such a phrase as this—‘He' gotten a weyfe an' bairns, and he's a right to keep 'em.’
1900 Daily News 28 Sept. 9/4 The Guardians consider they have no right to find clothing for children, as if they are discharged, it is likely to be made away with.
1933 Amer. Speech 8 iii. 78 I waited an hour for you. You had a right to tell me you would be late.
1980 J. Dillon in L. Michaels & C. B. Ricks State of Lang. 558 ‘He had a right to help me’ (in the sense of ‘he had a duty’).
g. In plural. A title or authority to perform, publish, film, televise, or otherwise disseminate a particular work, event, etc. Cf. copyright n. 1.Frequently with distinguishing word, as book, digital, film, movie, performing, serial rights, etc.: see the first element.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal right > rights to do or use something > [noun] > performing or publishing rights
rights1822
performing rights1882
1818 R. V. Barnewall & E. H. Alderson Rep. Cases King's Bench I. 399 The object, therefore, of the eighth section is to extend to living writers the benefit of their unexpired rights.]
1822 Monthly Mag. May 354/1 Several cheap editions appeared. Mr. Lawrence sought of course to assert his authorial rights, by an appeal to the Court of Chancery.
1870 Athenæum 10 Sept. 341/3 They have bought the rights of several publishers who had paid Mr. Dickens considerable sums for advanced sheets.
1890 R. Kipling Let. in C. E. Carrington Rudyard Kipling (1955) vii. 162 Harper & Co. bought the serial rights for American and paid me.
1913 Writer's Mag. Dec. 263/1 Contracts with..today's most famous authors for the film rights to their..stories.
1939 D. L. Sayers In Teeth of Evidence 208 There were the touring rights..and film rights..and probably radio rights.
1953 E. Hyams Gentian Violet i. 9 The value of stage, film, broadcasting and other rights was astronomical.
1974 I. Parsons in A. Briggs Ess. Hist. of Publishing 49 Richardson had made binding agreements with a succession of Dublin booksellers under which he was to receive certain sums in return for exclusive rights.
2008 P. Nguyen in J. M. Cherbo et al. Understanding Arts & Creative Sector in U.S. x. 167 Corbis focused its attention on amassing the digital rights to renowned collections such as that of..the National Gallery.
h. In plural. Stock Market. Entitlement accorded to holders of existing shares in a company to acquire further shares at a special price; the value of this entitlement; (now usually) the stocks or shares offered in this way. See also rights issue n. at Compounds 2.
ΚΠ
1916 L. Guenther Investm. & Speculation xxiii. 209 ‘Rights’, a term frequently seen, denotes the market value of the privilege accorded to stockholders of record in a corporation to purchase additional shares it has authorized. In value these rights vary in accordance with the market premium the stock may command.
1930 Times 28 Mar. 21/2 The buying of the last-named stock being stimulated by expectations of an early offering of new stock giving ‘rights’ to stockholders.
1968 Sun 25 Oct. 10/5 With last night's price for the ordinary 18s. 9d., the ‘rights’ are worth a little over 2d. per share, which is not very much.
1991 Constr. Weekly 14 Aug. 12/4 The scene is hardly encouraging for Costain shareholders, who took up rights at 155p last April only to see the price quoted at some 20p less in the market now.
2008 Daily Tel. 10 June (Business section) b1/3 Barclays, Lloyds TSB, HBOS, HSBC and Royal Bank of Scotland have pledged to sub-underwrite £20m of the £258m placing, potentially leaving each with a 1.63pc stake in the buy-to-let lender should existing shareholders not take up their rights.
10.
a. Something that a person may properly claim, or that justly accrues or falls to one; a person's due. Also in figurative context.
ΚΠ
eOE King Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care (Hatton) (1871) li. 397 Agife se wer his wife hire ryht [L. debitum] on hira gesinscipe.
OE Cynewulf Elene 909 Nu cwom elþeodig, þone ic ær on firenum fæstne talde, hafað mec bereafod rihta gehwylces, feohgestreona.
a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 179 Unneðes hie winnen giet here louerdes rihttes.
c1300 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Otho) 3942 Ich hou segge, cnihtes, Rome his oure rihtes [c1275 eowre irihte].
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 41 (MED) Þe rentes, þo offrendes, þe tendes, and þe oþre riȝtes of holy cherche.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. l. 6656 Ȝe..waite vs with som tresons, & to withhold vs our rightes [a1450 Lamb. oure right].
?c1430 (?1383) J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) III. 328 (MED) Siþ siche curatis don not here office in good lyvyng..þei ben þevys..for þei wiþdrawen riȝttis of holy Chirche.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Jer. xxii. 16 Yee when he helped ye oppressed and poore to their right, then prospered he well.
c1585 R. Browne Answere to Cartwright 55 Wee shoulde not take our ryghte on a thyefe to iustyfie his theeuerye.
a1627 J. Fletcher & T. Middleton Nice Valour v. iii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Xxx3/1 Honour and admiration are her rights.
1655 T. Moffett & C. Bennet Healths Improvem. iii. 13 Let us not but give the Devil his right.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis xi, in tr. Virgil Wks. 573 He swims before my sight, Inexorable Death; and claims his right.
1708 E. Arwaker Truth in Fiction iii. lviii. 276 The first Lord of the rich Soil..was forc'd to Abdicate: Asham'd thereat, he soon retir'd from Sight, And durst no more appear to claim his Right.
1782 F. Burney Cecilia V. x. iii. 251 He has been advised by his friends to claim his rights.
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake iii. 122 Grief claimed his right, and tears their course.
1832 H. Martineau Life in Wilds iii. 41 Our provisions are the right of those who work for them.
1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) IV. 35 We cannot help acknowledging that what is right for us is the right and inheritance of others.
1910 ‘R. Dehan’ One Braver Thing lxviii. 563 She had claimed her right. The man was hers, though she might never be his.
1970 Black Belt Apr. 53/2 Now, some years later, the young man was planning to claim his right as heir to the Shogunate.
2000 J. Miller James II (new ed.) v. 56 For his brother the crown was his right and he knew none more worthy of it.
†b. Hunting. In plural. Part of the quarry given to the hounds (in quot. c1330: to a servant of the hunt) as their share or due. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > hunting with hounds > [noun] > reward for hounds
rightc1330
fee14..
hallowc1420
rewardc1425
curryc1500
quarre1562
dole1575
c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 496 (MED) Þe forster for his riȝtes Þe left schulder ȝaf he.
a1425 Edward, Duke of York Master of Game (Digby) xxxiii When þe houndes beth þus enquyrered, þe lymmers shulde haue both þe shuldres for þeire reghtes.
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lii. 177 I can chase the herte & the wyld bore, and blowe the pryce, and serue the houndes of theyr ryghtes.
†c. A territory, estate, dominion. In later use: (U.S.) a defined share of the land at the disposal of a town. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > territorial jurisdiction or areas subject to > [noun] > area over which jurisdiction exercised
land and ledeOE
regimenta1393
franchisea1400
right?a1400
obeisance1419
liberty?1435
English palec1453
palec1453
English palea1549
judgement1617
command1621
commandment1632
bourne1818
Crown land1849
rulership1882
overseas territory1900
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) ii. 10 (MED) Whan he had regned foure ȝere, one ryued vpon his right, A duke of Danmark.
1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene v. viii. sig. S8v Sir Artegall..Taking with him, as his vanquisht thrall, That Damzell, led her to the Souldans right . View more context for this quotation
1635 in H. Bond Family Memorials: Genealogies Watertown (1855) II. App. i. 995 No forrainer..shall have any benefit either of Commonage or Land undivided..Except that they buy a man's right wholly in the Towne.
1674 in J. Wilson Reg. Synod of Dunblane (1877) 105 [The Synod's] determinacioun is that both the persones who buried within the ry [ch] t of other men and these who raised the corps be cited unto and censured.
1750 in H. H. Metcalf & O. G. Hammond Probate Rec. New Hampsh. (1915) III. 574 We Set off to Benjamin Smith..one whole Right in Canterbury.
1794 S. Williams Nat. & Civil Hist. Vermont 337 In the grants of land that were made by him, there were three rights in each township reserved for religious purposes.
d. Hunting. In plural. A stag's full complement of antlers, consisting of the brow, bay, and tray. Cf. crocket n.1 3.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > group Ruminantia (sheep, goats, cows, etc.) > male > [noun] > body and parts > antler > collectively
headc1400
rightc1425
attire1562
attirement1566
head of horns1626
stag-horns1663
head of antlers1839
antlery1849
rack1915
c1425 Edward, Duke of York Master of Game (Vesp. B.xii) (1904) 79 (MED) If lak eny of his ryghtes, ȝe mot abate so many in þe toppe.
c1425 Edward, Duke of York Master of Game (Vesp. B.xii) (1904) 78 (MED) If he be fourched on þe ryghte side and lak nouȝt of his ryghtes bineth, [etc.].
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues at Marque A deere, which hath more rights, or branches, on th' one side then on th' other.
a1637 B. Jonson Sad Shepherd i. ii. 15 in Wks. (1640) III A head, Large, and well beam'd: with all rights somm'd, and spred. View more context for this quotation
1742 Coles's Dict. Eng.-Lat. (ed. 14) (at cited word) The deer's-head with all its rights, arborea cervi cornua.
1812 Ld. Graves Let. to Ld. Ebrington Stag-hunting Establishm. Devon 2 June (1814) 14 His brow, bay, and tray antlers are termed his Rights.
a1832 Encycl. Metrop. (1845) XX. 416/2 You must say he beareth..a false Right on his near horn, for all that the Beam bears are called Rights.
1856 ‘Stonehenge’ Man. Brit. Rural Sports i. x. 82 The three first are termed the rights; the two points, the crockets.
1884 R. Jefferies Red Deer ii. 142 To be runnable or warrantable, a stag..must bear his ‘rights’ (that is, brow, bay, and tray), and two on top.
1909 P. J. S. Perceval London's Forest v. 136 The animal was a stag of six years, for its horns have all their ‘rights’ and ‘two on top’, the technical terms for its antlers and the points at the top of the horn.
1982 C. De Lint Greenmantle (1998) 52 He was huge, more the size of a small horse than a buck, a Royal by his antlers, having three tops and all his rights—brow, bay and tray tines.
11. With possessive adjective or genitive: a person's (also in extended use, a thing's) entitlement or claim to something, now esp. political or civil privileges or liberties. Now usually in plural (frequently in rights of man, rights of woman (also women)). See also women's rights n.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal right > [noun] > one's right(s)
i-rihtsc1000
rightc1300
judgementc1350
duec1450
droit1481
shayth1542
say1614
legitimate1650
pretension1710
entitlement1782
c1300 St. Thomas Becket (Laud) l. 229 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 113 (MED) Swyþe wel bi-gan þis Ercedekne holi churche bi-lede And stifliche heold op hire riȝte.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 3714 Ðe lond is god, Ful of erf..Oc burges stronge and folc v-frigt, Stalwurði to weren here rigt.
1389 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 30 (MED) Yey schal saue ye kynge hys rythe, and non prejudys don a-geyn his lawe in yes ordenaunce.
1425 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Apr. 1425 §12. m. 4 Þe pretensed ryght of my said lord mareschall.
1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) lxxxxii. 124 Whanne the kyng was dede, somme wold haue taken her ryght fro her.
a1525 in W. A. Craigie Asloan MS (1923) I. 192/23 Throw the titill and richt of Edmond Irnsydis sonis dochter.
1558 C. Goodman How Superior Powers 180 It is..a great discouraging to the people..when they are not defended..in their right and title.
1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream i. i. 92 Lysander, yeeld Thy crazed title to my certaine right . View more context for this quotation
c1670 T. Hobbes Dial. Com. Laws (1681) 37 My Right is a Liberty left me by the Law to do any thing which the Law forbids me not.
1708 True Characters 9 She..is an Earnest Contender for the Rights of Woman-kind.
1757 W. Wilkie Epigoniad i. 14 In vain for Polynices' right they bled.
1758 J. Dalrymple Ess. Hist. Feudal Prop. (ed. 2) v. 186 When many of the military came to be converted into soccage or burgage fiefs, the rights of women came to be attended to, and regarded.
1791 T. Paine (title) Rights of man: being an answer to Mr. Burke's attack on the French revolution.
1792 M. Wollstonecraft (title) A vindication of the rights of woman; with strictures on political and moral subjects.
1799 H. More Strict. Mod. Syst. Fem. Educ. (ed. 4) I. 147 To these have been opposed, with more presumption than prudence, the rights of woman.
1819 J. Mackintosh Parl. Suffrage in Wks. (1846) III. 232 The enlightened friends of the rights of the people.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. III. xii. 222 Human nature at last asserted its rights.
1878 R. W. Dale Lect. Preaching (ed. 3) ix. 291 Respect the rights of the past: assert the rights of the present.
1916 H. Ellis Ess. in War-time viii. 88 The advocates of Woman's Rights have seldom been met by the charge that they were unjustly encroaching on the Rights of Man.
1940 C. Stead Man who loved Children iii. 92 He talks about human equality, the rights of man, nothing but that.
1990 M. Strand Continuous Life 16 To be in love, to have a young pretty wife and children of his own, was not a crime or a deception, but his right.
2006 Daily Tel. 5 Dec. 18/8 Minority Indo-Fijians..said a coup would give them back their rights.
†III. That which is straight.
12. A plumb line. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > equipment for marking out work > [noun] > plumb-line or chalk-line
poundereOE
righteOE
line1340
plummeta1398
plumba1400
perpendicle?c1400
plumb rulec1400
levelc1440
pendant1440
plumb linea1456
levelling-rule1598
perpendicular1604
plummet levelc1850
point-brass1850
eOE Cleopatra Gloss. in J. J. Quinn Minor Lat.-Old Eng. Glossaries in MS Cotton Cleopatra A.III (Ph.D. diss., Stanford Univ.) (1956) 129 Perpendiculo, reht. [L. ut a catholicae fidei perpendiculo ad tortas simulacrorum caeremonias vergeretur.]
13. The direct road or way. Cf. on right at Phrases 3. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > route or way > [noun] > straight or direct
rightOE
the (occasionally your, etc.) next wayc1330
forthright1609
highball1920
OE Stowe Psalter xxv. 12 Pes meus stetit in directo : eart [sic] min stod on rihte [OE Lambeth Psalter on rihtum wege].
1535 D. Lindsay Satyre 4189 I man pas to the King of Farie, Or ellis the rycht to hell.
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) i. i. 170 Something about a little from the right, In at the window, or else ore the hatch. View more context for this quotation
14. A facet of a diamond. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > gem or precious stone > diamond > [noun] > of specific type of cut > parts of cut diamond
collet1675
right1675
culet1678
pavilion1750
rib1750
star facet1750
templet1889
1675 London Gaz. No. 1050/4 A short hart Diamond,..4 Rights and the Coller [read Collet] pollished, the Stone being about half made.
IV. In senses overlapping with those of rite n. In early use perhaps showing an aphetic form of Old English geriht i-riht n. In later use probably largely showing errors for rite n., as a result of semantic association between the two words.
15.
†a. Christian Church. Usually in plural = last rites n. at last adv., adj., and n.4 Compounds. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > obsequies > religious rites > [noun] > last sacrament
rightOE
OE Ælfric Catholic Homilies: 2nd Ser. (Corpus Cambr. 198) xviii. 179 Sixtus bisceop..bisceop gehadode ðe mihte behweorfan ða halgan martyras mid gastlicum sangum & godes rihtum [OE Cambr. Gg.3.28 gerihtum].
c1300 St. Wulstan (Laud) l. 200 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 76 Seue niȝht bi-fore þat he deide, his breþren he liet fette alle, And liet him all is riȝhtes do.
c1330 Roland & Vernagu (Auch.) (1882) l. 372 (MED) Þer fel a miracle of a kniȝt, Wiche þat was to deþ y-diȝt..Er he dyd he hadde his riȝt.
a1400 tr. Lanfranc Sci. Cirurgie (Ashm.) (1894) 173 (MED) First he schal make him haue hise riȝtis of holy chirche & lete him make his testament.
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll.) 884 Lat me nat dye in thys foreyst but brynge me to the abbey here besyde, that I may be confessed and have my ryghtes.
1509 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1845) xli. 204 Of holy church with all humilite My rightes I toke.
1565 T. Harding Answere to Iuelles Chalenge f. 30 What if foure or fyue of sundry houses in a sycknes tyme being at the pointe of death in a parish, requyre to haue their rightes or they departe?
1798 in J. O. Payne Old Eng. Catholic Missions (1889) 8 July 44 Rob. Johnson departed this life, after having received all the ‘rights’ of the Church.
b. More generally (but chiefly in religious contexts): = rite n. (in various senses).With intentional wordplay in quot. 1600.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > observance, ritual > [noun] > instance or form of
churchOE
servicelOE
rightlOE
observancea1250
officec1300
preachingc1350
ritec1350
ceremonyc1380
usea1382
prayerc1384
form1399
ordinancea1400
ordera1425
worship?a1425
worshippingc1443
common prayer1493
common servicea1500
ordinarya1513
celebrity1534
church servicea1555
religious exercise1560
function1564
agend1581
church office1581
liturgy1593
Common Prayer service1648
ritualities1648
ceremonial1672
hierurgy1678
occasion1761
religiosities1834
cursus1865
joss-pidgin1886
worship service1929
OE Poenitentiale Pseudo-Egberti (Laud) ii. viii. 20 Se man..bið æwbreca: ne sylle him nan preost husl ne nan ðara gerihta þe cristenum men gebyreð.]
lOE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) (Peterborough interpolation) anno 1070 Þa munecas..dydan Cristes þeudom in þære cyrce, þet ær hæfde standen fulle seofeniht forutan ælces cynnes riht.
1430–40 J. Lydgate tr. Bochas Fall of Princes (1494) sig. pv Yet feynyngly she hath out wayes sought For him to holde solempne and royall Lyke Grekys rightes a feest funerall.
1502 Chron. Eng. (new ed.) i. vi. sig. niij/1 And vpon saynt Iohn daye Euangelyst that came next, the kyng receyued his ryghtes of holy chirche, as it befalleth to euery crysten man.
c1535 Ploughman's Tale ii. sig. B iiv Ayenst god they vsen yuell rightes.
1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream iv. i. 132 No doubt, they rose vp earely, to obserue The right of May. View more context for this quotation
1637 J. Milton Comus 5 Come let us our rights begin 'Tis onely day-light that makes Sin.
1709 M. Prior Carmen Seculare (new ed.) in Poems Several Occasions 140 Numa the Rights of strict Religion knew, On ev'ry Altar laid the Incense due.
1865 C. J. Lever Luttrell i I sent for you to administer to her the rights of her Church.
1902 New Rev. 12 230 The embellishments of all ecclesiastical last rights and absolutions were done with.
2007 R. Strachan And Greatest of these is Love 237 Father Ian then asked if the family would like mum to have her last rights.
V. Senses relating to position or direction. (Opposed to left.)
16.
a. The right-hand side, part, or direction: chiefly with reference to local position from the point of observation, though also with reference to relative position from the perspective of the object observed. Frequently with the or possessive adjective, and in on (also to) the (or my, your, etc.) right. Cf. right hand n. 2, right side n. 3.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > quality of having sides or being a side > [noun] > fact of having distinct sides > one or other side or hand > the right
right sidea1225
rightc1225
right handc1225
right halfa1450
the far side1607
dexter1814
c1225 (?c1200) Sawles Warde (Bodl.) (1938) 22 Þe middel sti bituhhe riht & luft.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Prov. iv. 27 Ne bowe thou doun to the riȝt, [a1425 L.V. the riȝtside; L. dexteram] ne to the lift.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 2463 (MED) Queder þou ches, on right or left, I sal ta me þat þou haues left.
1594 R. Carew tr. T. Tasso Godfrey of Bulloigne iv. 141 Part on the right, part on the left this band Siedgeth it selfe, their wreakfull king before, Pluto sits in the mids.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vi. 558 Vangard, to Right and Left the Front unfould. View more context for this quotation
1683 A. Wood Life & Times (1894) III. 57 The duke, after he was presented, took his place on the right of the vicechancellor; the rest, after presentation, on the left.
1707 J. Freind Acct. Earl of Peterborow's Conduct in Spain 211 Take to the Mountains on the right with all your Men.
1742 H. Fielding Joseph Andrews vii. 130 He came to a Place, where by keeping the extremest Track to the Right, it was just barely possible for a human Creature to miss his Way.
1764 O. Goldsmith Traveller 6 Far to the right, where Appennine ascends.
1823 F. Clissold Narr. Ascent Mont Blanc 11 A precipitous declivity, which shelved down, upon our right, in one plane of smooth rock.
1856 F. L. Olmsted Journey Slave States 61 You'll find a path going square off to the right.
1894 Mrs. H. Ward Marcella II. iii. iii. 306 Benny appeared,..elbowing the Jewesses to right and left.
1939 G. Greene Confidential Agent ii. i. 182 Mr. K bounded from right to left and back again: people turned round and stared at him.
1957 P. Kemp Mine were of Trouble ix. 173 A minute later bursts of tracer flew over us from high ground on our right.
1989 Which? Jan. 22/1 As you can see from the picture on the right, it doesn't really go with the character of the house.
2008 S. Faulks Devil may Care iii. 39 Bond smacked the footbrake, dropped the wheel to his right, then hauled up the handbrake.
b. The right wing or flank of an army, etc.; the right-hand end of a line of troops.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > armed forces > the Army > part of army by position > [noun] > wing or flank
wingc1400
horn1533
out-wingc1540
flank1548
point1550
sleeve1574
left1693
right1694
pivot flank1786
reverse flank1792
wheeling flank1796
society > armed hostility > armed forces > the Army > part of army by position > [noun] > extremity of line or troops
skirts1533
right1828
1694 E. D'Auvergne Hist. Campagne Spanish Netherlands 97 The Bavarian Foot and Dragoons..were incamped upon the heighth of Hooghleode, where they flank'd our Right, and cover'd the Electors Quarters.
1707 London Gaz. No. 4334/4 Our right was then at Louvignies, and our Left at Naast.
1743 in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 401 Their right reaching to the village called Keldersbach.
1813 R. Wilson Private Diary I. 361 The enemy have their right appuied upon these mountains.
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth xi, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. III. 299 Four of them occupied the right of the first line.
1897 R. S. S. Baden-Powell Matabele Campaign viii. 218 The Cape Boys had worked their way round to the enemy's right.
1944 W. H. Herbert Fighting Joe Hooker v. 84 By 10:30 Lieutenant McAlester was back with the word that it might be possible to get around the enemy's right.
2009 E. S. Rafuse Antietam, South Mountain, & Harpers Ferry vi. 55 Dole's right advanced to a position on the southern edge of the Cornfield next to the East Woods.
c. Politics. Frequently with capital initial and the. (a) Those members of comparatively conservative opinions in a (European) Continental legislature, by custom seated on the right of the president (now historical); the views and objectives of such members; (b) any party or political group favouring conservative views; the area of the political spectrum occupied by such groups (frequently modified, as centre right, extreme right, etc.); (also) the more conservative section of a philosophical, religious, etc., group; those who hold conservative views considered collectively. Cf. also New Right n., right wing n. 2, centre n.1 15, left n. 6, hard right at hard adj. 22c.The use originates with the seating positions of the 1789 French National Assembly: see right adj. 15.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > politics > party politics > groups or attitudes right to left > [noun] > the right
centre-right1822
right1822
right wing1841
Christian Right1947
New Right1966
alt-right2009
1822 W. C. Somerville Lett. from Paris xviii. 300 As it was evident that the ministerial party, or the centre, was a factitious corps, created by the government, and no longer a majority, there was an absolute necessity for the ministry to identify themselves with the right or the left.
1828 Morning Chron. 19 Jan. 2/3 Messrs. Delalot, de Labourdonnaye, and Hyde de Neuville, representatives of the extreme right.
1856 R. H. Lee Mem. Life H. Preble v. 80 The views of the new minister were of course distasteful to the extreme right.
1887 Harper's Mag. Jan. 180/1 The political differences between the two great parties, the parliamentary Right and Left.
1917 M. Farbman Russian Revol. 31 The counter-revolutionaries of the Right.
1940 W. Temple Thoughts in War-time iii. 24 The Right tends to have a fuller sense of historical continuity than the Left.
1969 A. G. Frank Lat. Amer. xix. 316 The current wave of government repression against the Left need not mean a permanent move to the Right.
1974 J. White tr. N. Poulantzas Fascism & Dictatorship iv. 224 In the struggle against the Left Opposition..the Comintern took a turn to the ‘right’.
1996 Daily Express 1 Mar. 14/2 After 13 years in the grip of socialism, the country will move firmly to the Right to be run by a husband-and-wife team.
2000 D. L. Dabney in A. Hastings et al. Oxf. Compan. Christian Thought 445/1 Early on he was criticized by the right as too politically radical and the left as too theologically conservative.
d. Originally U.S. In various team sports: the right side or wing of the field of play. Also: a player occupying this position. Cf. right wing n. 3.inside, outside right: see at first word.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > characteristics of team ball games > [noun] > players or positions
wing-back1734
goalkeeper1789
outfielder1855
quarter1857
centre fielder1865
outfield1867
quarterback1867
right1867
centre1868
left wing1871
left-back1873
left half-back1873
centre forward1874
left-centre1877
right-centre1877
centre back1878
centre half-back1879
forward1879
back1880
right wing1880
right half-back1881
goaltender1882
right-winger1882
wing1882
centre half1884
left winger1884
inside1886
half1887
custodian1888
left half1888
midfielder1888
left wing1889
right half1889
centreman1890
midfield1890
outside right1890
outfieldsman1891
goalie1894
winger1896
infield1897
inside forward1897
inside right1897
outside forward1897
outside1898
outside left1900
rearguard1904
pivot1911
wing-man1942
keeper1957
link1958
linkman1963
midfield1976
1867 Ball Players' Chron. 8 Aug. 6/3 The nine will be as follow:..Peters, right.
1892 College Index (Auburn, Alabama) Nov. 27 Mr. G. O. Shackleford, the Athens left guard, who gave our right so much trouble at the match game in Atlanta last February has entered college here.
1934 in B. James England v Scotland (1969) 152 Attack after attack on the English goal. Superb work by that sprite of a player, Cook, on the extreme right.
1949 Telephone-Reg. (McMinnville, Oregon) 4 Aug. 2/1 Jimmy ‘Whiskers’ Beard then drove both in with a single to right.
1976 Billings (Montana) Sunday Gaz. 20 June 4- e/1 Garry Maddox doubled into left-center and scored on a triple to right by Tim McCarver.
2005 Kerryman 11 Aug. (Sport section) 7/1 Donnacha Ryan swung over a corner from the right.
17.
a. The right-hand way or road; a right-hand turn (cf. to hang a right at hang v. Additions).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > route or way > way, path, or track > [noun] > to the right
offside1675
right1735
society > travel > means of travel > route or way > way, path, or track > road > parts of road > [noun] > bend
jamb1567
right1735
bend1803
lacet1847
hairpin bend1906
Z-bend1958
right-hander1963
virage1963
left-hander1964
society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > movement of vehicles > [noun] > specific turning made by motor vehicle
left turn1929
right turn1953
three-point turn1957
right1969
wheelie1973
1735 J. Kirby Suffolk Traveller 32 At 1 m. 3 f. leave the right which goes to Sutton Church.
1829 R. W. H. Hardy Trav. Interior Mexico viii. 155 You will come to three roads; take the middle one, which will bring you to two others; you must take the right.
1867 E. Schuyler tr. I. S. Turgenef Fathers & Sons xxii. 167 The coachman having changed the horses remounted the box and asked if he must take the right or the left.
1906 Interstate Automobile Tourists' Guide 2 127 Continue straight ahead, cross bridge and take first right.
1969 D. E. Westlake Up your Banners v. 35 The light turned green and she made a right.
1981 G. V. Higgins Rat on Fire xiii. 96 Leo Proctor took a right in Dorchester Avenue and drove the van south.
2004 M. Lucas & ‘D. Walliams’ Little Brit. 1st Ser. Episode 3. 91 When you see the hanging tree, take a left. When you come to the old well, take a right.
b. Chiefly Boxing. The right hand, with which a punch or blow is delivered (with possessive adjective); a punch or blow delivered with the right hand. Cf. roundhouse n. 6b, to swing a right at swing v.1 Additions b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impact > striking > striking with specific thing > [noun] > with the hand > right or left
right1804
left1806
left-hander1816
right-hander1823
left and right1896
1804 Times 8 Aug. 3/5 Being prepared to strike him again with his right, [Sam] desisted from it on seeing him about to fall.
1814 Times 9 Dec. 3/2 The superior strength of the Baker drove Sam against the ropes, and there putting in a right and left, the Jew fell.
1894 A. Morrison Tales Mean Streets 138 It was a hard fight, and both the lads were swinging the right again and again for a knock-out.
1898 Daily News 24 Nov. 7/3 Sharkey put over a straight right on Corbett's nose, seeming to bring blood.
1898 J. D. Brayshaw Slum Silhouettes 2 That on'y made Bill madder 'n ever, an' 'e lands aht wiv 'is right, but the Gent. jest ketched 'is arm.
1930 Daily Express 6 Oct. 11/5 The blow with which he dropped Compere for the full count was a right to the jaw.
1958 Health & Strength 19 June 31/1 He just let rip with left and right in a steady stream of hooks, jabs and uppercuts.
1972 J. Mosedale Football iv. 49 Bob Snyder..threw a roundhouse right that knocked Matheson out the door.
1999 Y. M. Murray What it takes to get to Vegas xiii. 232 He saw the hole and coldcocked Billy with a right to the chin and a follow-up tattoo between the eyes.
c. A shoe, boot, etc., for the right foot; (also) a glove for the right hand. Cf. left n. 3.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > footwear > shoe or boot > [noun] > types of
crakowc1367
veldskoen1822
lace-up1824
right1825
purrer1827
stitchdown shoe1840
clump-sole1879
high-top1895
low-tops1913
zip-up1942
peep-toe1947
Dr. Martens1969
waffle stomper1974
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for hands > [noun] > glove > types of > other
left1657
beaver1816
manakin1824
nipper1840
right1884
mousquetaire1889
slip-on1949
1601 A. Munday tr. J. Teixeira Strangest Aduenture sig. L.2 I pulled off the right, and presently passed my hand along the toes.]
1825 W. Hone Every-day Bk. (1826) I. 515 It belonged to the left foot of the wearer; so..this is proof that ‘rights and lefts’ are only ‘an old, old, very old’ fashion revived.
1864 F. Locker My Mistress's Boots vii Cinderella's lefts and rights To Geraldine's were frights.
1884 Harper's Mag. Dec. 117/1 I didn't want two rights [sc. gloves].
1918 M. R. Rinehart 23½ Hours' Leave iii. 59 We haven't anything! No guns worth the name, not enough shoes. Why, a fellow in my company's wearing two rights at this minute.
1963 D. Ricky Forty Miles Day vii. 124 The shoes were not only of poor material, but they were fashioned so crudely as to make rights and lefts almost indistinguishable.
2006 R. Liparulo Germ 423 He passed two large work gloves to Stephen. ‘Two rights, I'm afraid.’
d. A right-handed pair of scissors or shears; (also) a pair of scissors modified to cut on the right. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > cutting tool > shears or scissors > [noun] > types of
plate shears1599
stock-shears1688
right1846
snips1846
cropping shears1873
crocodile shears1884
kitchen scissors1907
tinsnips1944
tinmen's snips1950
1846 C. Holtzapffel Turning & Mech. Manip. II. 911 Nail scissors are made in pairs, and formed in opposite ways, or as ‘rights and lefts’, so that they may suit the respective hands.
1864 O. Byrne Pract. Metal-worker's Assistant (rev. ed.) xx. 357 Therefore nail scissors are made in pairs, and formed in opposite ways, or as ‘rights and lefts’, so that they may suit the respective hands.
1908 Amer. Jrnl. Surg. 22 195/1 (caption) Two of the modifications of the author's curved automatic tonsil scissors—rights and lefts, with shoulder lever and sliding bolts.
e. Shooting. A shot fired with the right barrel of a double-barrelled shotgun; a creature hit by such a shot. Cf. right and left adv. 2.
ΚΠ
1864 Once Week 30 July 149/2 We had the good fortune to do a right and a left, both birds being killed dead.
1893 H. A. Macpherson et al. Partridge ii. iii. 131 Now thoroughly awake, you kill three neatly, quickly followed by a smart right and left—one in front and one behind—at a brace that come straight at you.
1908 R. H. Benson Conventionalists i. iii. 82 On Saturday he had killed three rights and lefts, and had not missed more than one single bird flying alone.
1910 Blackwood's Mag. Jan. 140/1 I got a right and left with the big gun.
1958 M. Brander Roughshooter's Sport xx. 217 When..a covey of grouse was flushed.., I only managed to drop one bird. The others, however, performed more than adequately, each bringing down a right and left.
1974 Field 5 Dec. 1311/1 Congratulate anyone on a good piece of dog work..as one would if he achieved a right and left.
1990 M. K. Brook Gameshooter's Pocket Guide (2005) 10 ‘A right and a left at woodcock is worthy of a knighthood,’ said a beater who turned out to be a local doctor.
f. A brick designed to be used at a right-turning corner of a building. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > clay compositions > baked clay > brick > [noun] > brick for specific use
paving brick1703
lump1787
right1884
sewer-block1884
1884 C. T. Davis Pract. Treat. Manuf. Bricks iii. 78 Bricks..are termed ‘rights’ and ‘lefts’ when they are so moulded or ornamented that they cannot be used for any corner.
1901 Forged Steel Water-tube Marine Boilers 39 8 fire bricks, 4 rights and 4 lefts,..to replace broken bricks between furnace doors.
g. Surfing. A wave that breaks from left to right from the surfer's perspective.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > water sports except racing > surfing > [noun] > actions of surfer
kick-out1801
ride1883
side-slip1913
surf1917
slide1935
pull-out1957
quasimodo1960
head dip1962
nose-riding1962
rolling1962
spinner1962
stalling1962
toes over1962
cutback1963
Eskimo roll1964
re-entry1968
right1968
rollercoaster1968
barrel roll1971
hold-down1982
railing1983
cross-stepping1990
cross-step1994
turtle roll2001
1968 Surfer Jan. 73/1 Eamonn Matthews..caught some nice rights.
1970 Surf '70 (N.Z.) 44/2 There were good lefts and occasional rights with Ted Spencer carving turns people thought were impossible.
1986 Surf Scene July 16/2 20 minutes of good hard surfing, head high waves, peaks peeling off one brother going one way on a right the other on a left.
1990 Surfer July 109/3 The swell had gone northeast..sometimes producing better lefts than rights!

Phrases

P1. (In branch I.)
a. With verbs.
(a) to do (a person) right.
(i) to treat (a person) justly or fairly; to act dutifully towards. In Old English also †to do right with (a person).In modern use right may sometimes be interpreted as an adverb.
ΚΠ
OE Agreement between Abp. Æðelnoð & Toki (Sawyer 1464) in A. J. Robertson Anglo-Saxon Charters (1956) 154 Se arcebiscop..sæde þæt he riht wið hine gedon hæfde þæt he sylf him for ðam cwyde secgean wolde.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 6258 Ȝiff he doþ þe laȝhe. & rihht Þa wurrþ he þær þin broþerr.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 1256 Heo was swa swiðe wel bi-þouht, þat ælche monne heo dude riht [c1300 Otho riþt].
1483 ( tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage of Soul (Caxton) (1859) i. ii. 3 Come fast before the Juge, and he shal do the ryght.
a1627 T. Middleton Women beware Women i. i, in 2 New Playes (1657) 89 What ableness have you to do her right then In maintenance fitting her birth and vertues?
1787 ‘Polly Pindar’ Mousiad i. (title page) Let me see wherein My Pen hath wrong'd him: if it do him Right, Then he hath wrong'd himself.
1842 R. Browning Give a Rouse in Bells & Pomegranates No. III: Dramatic Lyrics ii. i King Charles, and who'll do him right now?
1879 H. N. Brown Sunday Stories xiv. 180 He did not rebel against these misfortunes which he could not cure, but submitted quietly to all his afflictions, believing that God would do him right in the end.
1919 H. Whitehead Business Career Peter Flint xv. 285 At this Henry gave me a card to a firm of furniture dealers and said if I gave it to them they would do me right.
1973 Jet 15 Mar. 50/2 I'll play all right but I just want that man to do me right.
1991 R. R. McCammon Boy's Life iv. ii. 358 ‘Motherfucker better do me right,’ she said to a dark-haired girl.
†(ii) to ensure that (a guest, etc.) has a full drink (also to do right). Cf. reason n.1 7b. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > providing or serving drink > [verb (transitive)]
birleOE
drenchc1000
shenchOE
adrenchc1275
to drink to1297
tap1401
skinkc1405
propinec1450
brince?1567
liquor1575
to do right1600
dram1770
butler1826
jerk1868
to set up1880
drink1883
bartend1948
to break out1962
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 v. iii. 73 Why now you haue done me right . View more context for this quotation
1605 G. Chapman Al Fooles v. i Fill's a fresh pottle, by this light, Sir Knight, You shall do right.
1624 P. Massinger Bond-man ii. iii. sig. E3v These Glasses containe nothing; doe me right, As e're you hope for liberty.
1889 J. G. Austin Standish of Standish xviii. 202 Both beer and strong waters were freely set out upon the cabin table, nor did even the Elder refuse to do him right in a parting glass of Nantz.]
(b) to do right: to do what is correct, just, or honourable; to act rightly.
ΚΠ
a1425 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Galba) l. 29167 Þam aw here to do right.
1483 ( tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage of Soul (Caxton) iv. xxii. f. lxix Yf thou er this tyme haddest done right.
1611 Bible (King James) Gen. xviii. 25 Shall not the Iudge of all the earth doe right ? View more context for this quotation
1619 D. Calderwood Solution Dr. Resolutus i. 6 Our vulgar translators have done right in expressing Christs gesture by the word, sitting.
1769 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) I. xii. 76 It is not that you do wrong by design, but that you should never do right by mistake.
1792 E. Burke Let. 6 Nov. (1968) VII. 273 We must do right, and do it simply and Vigorously and trust to Providence to the rest.
1810 M. Brunton Self-control II. xvii. 67 ‘Oh no! no!’ cried Laura, ‘I must leave you while yet I have the power to do right.’
1881 H. James Portrait of Lady II. ii. 22 Why should I be so afraid of not doing right? As if it mattered to the world whether I do right or wrong!
1970 N. Bawden Birds on Trees Prol. 1 ‘I hope we've done right,’ Clara Tilney said.
2002 A. A. Kass Perfect Gift v. vi. 384 ‘And yet have I done right? Have I done right?’ said the bishop, striding up and down the chamber.
(c) to do right by: to treat fairly or honourably; to do one's duty by. Cf. do v. 4a(b).
ΚΠ
1810 C. Cornstock Ess. on Duty Parents & Children iii. 143 Parents should constantly remember, that they are under indispensable obligations, to do right by their children, to be attentive to their wants.
1859 ‘G. Eliot’ Adam Bede xxiv. 243 We b'lieve you mean to do right by everybody, an' 'ull make no man's bread bitter to him if you can help it.
1907 Los Angeles Times 29 Aug. 7/1 He said he would look after me all right. He promised to give him $200 for a trust deed, and I thought he was doing right by me.
1994 Denver Post 21 Aug. b9/2 The team has chosen to do right by the city and its citizens.
2004 S. Brown White Hot 21 That gal won't see one red cent of my money. Not unless she does right by you and gives you a divorce.
†(d) to have the right: to have reason or fact on one's side. Cf. sense 3b. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > rightness or justice > [verb (intransitive)] > be in the right
to have the righta1450
to be in the right1490
a1450 Generides (Pierpont Morgan) (1865) 5533 I haue the right and he the wrong.
c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 169 Than js jt to declare, quha has the rycht.
1556 J. Heywood Spider & Flie lvii. sig. Bb Who euer had the right, the flies the feeld loste.
1636 A. Montgomerie Cherrie & Slae (new ed.) 892 Yea, hee should rather die than yeeld Though Reason had the right.
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth ii, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. I. 64 It is not my part..to decide who had the right or wrong in the present brawl.
(e) two wrongs don't make a right and variants: one wrongful act does not justify another.
ΚΠ
1768 C. Howard Thoughts, Ess., & Maxims 69 (heading) Two wrongs will not make one right.
1822 Niles' Weekly Reg. 30 Nov. 198/2 Two wrongs do not make a right—but, if war is allowable, it establishes the principle of retaliation and justifies a resistance of violence by violence.
1878 Alberta Med. & Surg. Jrnl. 15 522 Reference was made..to small doses of aloes preventing the cathartic action of belladonna. This may appear paradoxical, like two wrongs making a right.
1922 A. Bennett Mr. Prohack xiv. 145 Perhaps two wrongs don't make a right, but five hundred wrongs positively must make a right.
1997 L. Lippman Baltimore Blues v. 40 Two wrongs don't make a right.
b. With prepositions.
(a) at all rights (also Scottish. at all right): at all points, in every respect. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > the whole or all > that is all or the whole [phrase] > in respect of everything or part > in every respect
through all thingeOE
at all pointsa1375
from point to pointa1393
at all rightsc1405
in high and lowc1405
in generala1413
every incha1450
all in allc1475
at all sorts1612
all round1867
c1405 (c1385) G. Chaucer Knight's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 994 An hundred knyghtes Armed for listes vp at alle rightes [v.rr. vp al rightes, vppon all rightes].
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) x. 312 The castele..wes varnyst vondir wele With men and wittale at all Richt.
a1500 (?a1475) Guy of Warwick (Cambr. Ff.2.38) 2050 (MED) Tho came Tyrrye of Gormoyse..Wyth an hundurde of gode knyghtys, That were armed at all ryghtys.
1572 (a1500) Taill of Rauf Coilȝear (1882) 688 Greit Squechonis on hicht..Reulit at all richt Endlang the hall.
(b) at one's right: to the full, completely. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > completeness > completely [phrase] > in full or to fullest extent
to the full1340
at the fulla1375
at one's righta1425
in (the) wholea1475
every (each) whit1526
full due1574
in gross1606
in full habitudea1661
to capacity1958
a1425 Edward, Duke of York Master of Game (Digby) vi Þen oþer teth commeth to hem alle newe... And whan þei be wexe vp agaynn at hir right, þen þei..gothe at hir aventure.
c1425 Edward, Duke of York Master of Game (Vesp. B.xii) (1904) 32 (MED) Hure teeth be wexen vp al at hure ryght after þe othere smale teth which they had first.
(c) Scottish. at right (also rarely at rights): properly, well, aright. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > dueness or propriety > [phrase]
on (also upon) righteOE
by (good, etc.) rightc1330
to rightsc1330
well and truly1348
of very (due) right?a1366
to righta1382
at right1487
in one's way1691
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xiv. 171 That nycht the scottis Cumpany War wachit richt weill, all at richt.
1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid iii. vi. 22 All..godlie wychtis Schew we suld haue a prosper rais at rychtis.
1578 J. Rolland Seuin Seages 2 Ane Empreour was..Quhilk hecht to Name Pontianus at richt.
?a1600 (a1500) Sc. Troy Bk. (Cambr.) l. 584 in C. Horstmann Barbour's Legendensammlung (1882) II. 227 He þame [sc. the planets] maide..To kepe þar kindely course at rytht.
†(d) at rights: into a proper condition or order. Cf. to rights at Phrases 1b(m)(i). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > in (proper) order [phrase] > into proper order
to the rightsc1330
to point1481
at rightsa1641
into (to) trim1827
a1641 R. Montagu Acts & Monuments (1642) 481 To set all things at rights as at first they were being no work..for the arme of man.
(e) by right: justly; rightfully; if right were done. Cf. by rights at Phrases 1b(g). In early use also †by good right.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > rightness or justice > [phrase]
with (also mid) righteOE
by right?a1160
skillc1250
of right?c1450
by rights1738
?a1160 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1140 Eustace..wende to bigæton Normandi þærþurh, oc he spedde litel & be gode rihte, for he was an yuel man.
c1350 (a1333) William of Shoreham Poems (1902) 59 (MED) Þet compleþ þet spoushod..Þat hyt ne may be ondon..By ryȝte.
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. xviii. 347 Leue it nouȝte, lucifer, aȝeine þe lawe I fecche hem, But bi riȝt & by resoun [v.r. by reson and right; C. þorgh ryght and reson] raunceoun here my lyges.
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll.) 774 Be ryght thou muste be dede, for thou haste slayne oure lorde.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Luke xxiii. 41 And truly we are therin by right, for we receaue acordinge to oure dedes.
1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 143 Haly is his name be richt.
a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) iv. iii. 177 I should haue beene a woman by right . View more context for this quotation
1761 L. Sterne Life Tristram Shandy III. xxiii. 120 The story..is certainly out of its place here; for by right it should come in..amongst the anecdotes of my uncle Toby's amours.
1865 J. H. Newman Hist. my Relig. Opinions iv. 203 I had sometimes trusted their [sc. Anglican divines'] quotations... I had used words or made statements, which by right I ought rigidly to have examined myself.
1956 A. J. Lerner My Fair Lady (1958) i. i. 8 By right she should be taken out and hung For the cold-blooded murder of the English tongue!
1995 P. McCabe Dead School (1996) 230 By right there ought to have been cheering and dancing in Madeira Gardens for weeks on end.
†(f) by right (also rarely by rights): correctly, accurately; truthfully. Cf. on (also upon) right at Phrases 1b(k). Obsolete.
ΚΠ
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 274 Þeos is understonden biþe earste marie..& bigood richte [a1300 Caius mid god richt] for heo inmuche bireousunge..lefde hire sunnen.
a1325 St. Gregory (Corpus Cambr.) l. 29 in C. D'Evelyn & A. J. Mill S. Eng. Legendary (1956) 82 Hy beoþ englise iliche Ȝif þe lond is such as þe men, name it haþ by [c1300 Laud with] riȝte Engliss lond it aȝte be[o].
c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) 3738 A king þer com; ‘of an hundred kniȝtes’ His name was cleped bi riȝtes.
a1500 (?a1400) Stanzaic Life of Christ (Harl. 3909) (1926) 439 Therfore I may say by riȝt, And therof make no lesyng, That on a Sonoday at nyȝt born was Ihesu heuen kyng.
1549 R. Crowley Voyce Laste Trumpet sig. Bvi Then shal no laye man say by ryghte That he learneth hys mysse of the.
1557 Earl of Surrey et al. Songes & Sonettes sig. E.iii [Some] find contrary of it, that they intend. Alas, of that sort may I be, by right.
(g) by rights: justly; rightfully; if right were done (cf. Phrases 2a(b)).
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > rightness or justice > [phrase]
with (also mid) righteOE
by right?a1160
skillc1250
of right?c1450
by rights1738
society > morality > dueness or propriety > [phrase] > by right or with justifiable claim
with (also mid) righteOE
by (good, etc.) rightc1330
of righta1425
by rights1738
1738 J. Miller Art & Nature i. 13 You shou'd have a Skreen here by rights, for too much Care can't be taken of a Health that is so precious to all Mankind.
1817 H. C. B. Campbell Jrnl. 27 July in G. R. de Beer Journey to Florence (1951) 19 This Journal ought by rights to have been begun last Friday the 25th as on that day we left London.
1818 J. Keats Let. in Wks. (1889) III. 159 I should not, by rights, speak in this tone to you.
1853 W. Whewell in J. M. Douglas Life & Corr. W. Whewell (1881) 429 By rights he ought to leave his work and go play.
1884 H. R. Haggard Dawn I. vii. 101 I suppose that I should not by rights have told you.
1951 R. Harling Paper Palace (1952) 237 An aged character who should by rights have been dozing out his days in an olde-worlde almshouse.
1990 P. Bailey Immaculate Mistake 3 ‘You were our mistake,’ said my mother. ‘You ought not to be here, by rights.’
2007 A. Enright Gathering (2008) xx. 202 Val is a bachelor farmer in his seventies, so he should, by rights, be half-mad. But he looks chipper enough.
(h) in the right: in the position or condition of being morally or factually correct. Usually in to be in the right: to have justice, reason, or fact on one's side.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > rightness or justice > [verb (intransitive)] > be in the right
to have the righta1450
to be in the right1490
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xxvi. 554 Ye shall take vengaunce of thyse traytours, For ye ben in the right, and they in the wronge.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. ccclxxvi. 626 Ye be in the ryght of this warre.
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III v. vi. 5 He was in the right, and so in deede it is. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) ii. i. 154 He's in the right (Constable) what say you to it? View more context for this quotation
1680 T. Otway Orphan i. 11 Your Sex Was never in the right, y'are alwayes false, Or silly.
1710 S. Palmer Moral Ess. Prov. 325 The most Ridiculous Bigot thinks himself in the Right, and..Believes his Resveries acceptable to God.
1734 B. Franklin Parody & Reply to Relig. Medit. 8 Aug. in Writings (1987) 231 I never thought even Job in the right, when he repin'd that the Days of a Man are few and full of Trouble.
1782 F. Burney Cecilia III. v. ii. 41 She knew all the time she was in the right.
1815 W. Scott Let. 6 Sept. (1933) IV. 93 They are in the right however to enforce discipline and good order.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. xviii. 125 A historical question about which they were in the right.
1900 J. Conrad Lord Jim xxv. 276 He struck at them through his subjects, and thought himself pathetically in the right.
1966 N. Gordimer Late Bourgeois World 32 They were all in the right, again, and he was wrong.
2007 Guardian 12 Apr. (G2 section) 3/1 But who's in the right—broadcasters or politicians?
†(i) of right: properly, rightfully (cf. Phrases 2a(h)). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > rightness or justice > [phrase]
with (also mid) righteOE
by right?a1160
skillc1250
of right?c1450
by rights1738
?c1450 tr. Bk. Knight of La Tour Landry (1906) 85 (MED) The wiff of right owithe to honoure her husbonde.
1483 ( tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage of Soul (Caxton) iv. xxx. f. lxxvjv To lesen his lyf as to a fals traitour of good right and reason belongeth.
c1500 God spede Plough (Lansd.) l. 17 in W. W. Skeat Pierce Ploughman's Crede (1873) 70 So shulde of right the parson praye, That hath the tithe shefe of the londe.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cccxlv Seinge the case standeth thus, ther can no rebellion of right be obiected vnto vs.
1627 G. Hakewill Apologie iii. vii The onely man, to whom the price was of right to be adiudged.
1686 J. Scott Christian Life: Pt. II II. vii. 882 They are all of right his Subjects.
1745 T. Cooke Immortality Reveal'd ii. 21 Such Kindness might be hop'd, tho' not of Right, Should not such Hope our Pains and Zeal excite.
†(j) of right: correctly, accurately; truthfully. Cf. on (also upon) right at Phrases 1b(k). Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1494 Loutfut MS f. 5v, in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue at Richt The admirall of richt is ane office that suld ring and be exersit be the sey to war.
†(k) on (also upon) right: correctly, accurately; truthfully. Cf. aright adv. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > dueness or propriety > [phrase]
on (also upon) righteOE
by (good, etc.) rightc1330
to rightsc1330
well and truly1348
of very (due) right?a1366
to righta1382
at right1487
in one's way1691
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > freedom from error, correctness > [adverb] > correctly, properly
on (also upon) righteOE
righteouslyeOE
arightc970
rightfully1340
accurately1581
nicely1597
exactly1776
square1868
eOE King Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Otho) (2009) I. v. 395 Gif ic þine unrot[nesse o]n riht ongieten hæbbe.
OE Beowulf (2008) 1555 Geweold wigsigor witig drihten, rodera rædend; hit on ryht gesced yðelice, syþðan he eft astod.
OE Blickling Homilies 45 Se biscop sceal..þrafian þa mæssepreostas..þæt hie healdan Godes æwe on riht.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 1566 (MED) Sua blind þai war in þair insight, þat reckining cuth þai nan o right.
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) 1513 (MED) Þer watz rynging, on ryȝt, of ryche metalles.
c1475 (?c1425) Avowing of King Arthur (1984) l. 515 Quat is þi rawunsun, opon ryȝte? Þe soth þou mon sayn.
†(l) to all rights: at all points, in every respect. Cf. at all rights at Phrases 1b(a). Obsolete.
ΚΠ
a1450 (?a1300) Richard Coer de Lyon (Caius) (1810) l. 3145 He was armyd to alle ryghtes.
(m) to rights.
(i) Also (rarely) to right, †to the rights. Formerly: †in a proper manner (obsolete). Subsequently: to or into a proper condition or order. In later use chiefly in to put (also bring, set) to rights.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > [phrase]
to rightsc1330
all (also everything) is gas and gaiters1839
(as) nice (also good, sweet, etc.) as pie1855
(as) right as rain1891
everything in the garden is lovely (also rosy)1898
she'll be right1947
society > morality > dueness or propriety > [phrase]
on (also upon) righteOE
by (good, etc.) rightc1330
to rightsc1330
well and truly1348
of very (due) right?a1366
to righta1382
at right1487
in one's way1691
the world > relative properties > order > in (proper) order [phrase] > into proper order
to the rightsc1330
to point1481
at rightsa1641
into (to) trim1827
c1330 Sir Orfeo (Auch.) (1966) l. 136 (MED) Þer come to me to fair kniȝtes, Wele y-armed al to riȝtes [a1500 Harl. at alle ryȝthis].
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) 53 (MED) Of-saw he ful sone þat semliche child..cloþed..wiþ perrey & pellure pertelyche to þe riȝttes.
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) 1632 (MED) Þemperour & eueri man were esed to riȝttes & haden..what þei wolde ȝerne.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1963) 1 Chron. Prol. l. 55 Þerfore I haue don þat I myȝte bryngen to riȝt [L. digererem] þe insolible lettyngis & þe wordis of names þe whiche þurȝ vice of writeris ben confoundid.
a1450 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Lamb.) (1887) i. l. 4127 (MED) He mayntende þe lond to ryght [?a1400 Petyt to þe right].
1472–3 Rolls of Parl.: Edward IV (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1472 1st Roll §59. m. 2 That all wolles..be sufficiauntly, trewly and indifferently pakked to rights, within the royalme of Englond.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Luke vi. 10 Then was his hande restored him to right, euen as whole as the other.
c1600 (c1350) Alisaunder (Greaves) (1929) 1220 That bolde borou Byzance, þat buyld was to-rihtus, Was called syn..Constantinoble.
1627 J. Smith Sea Gram. ix. 43 Bring the ship to rights, that is, againe vnder saile as she was.
1662 S. Pepys Diary 30 Jan. (1970) III. 20 Imployed all the afternoon in my chamber, setting things and papers to rights.
1706 J. Logan in Mem. Hist. Soc. Pennsylvania (1872) X. 146 When once puzzled he can with difficulty bring himself to rights.
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa III. lxxvi. 352 Sense of shame..may make rifled rank get up, and shake itself to rights.
1767 B. Franklin Let. 5 Apr. in Wks. (1887) IV. 23 I received the watch chain, which you say you send to be put to rights.
1821 T. Jefferson Autobiogr. in Writings (1892) I. 109 How the good should be secured, and the ill brought to rights, was the difficulty.
1842 G. S. Faber Provinc. Lett. I. 55 Call in Mr. Maitland,..and he will speedily set all to right.
1859 J. W. Carlyle Let. 26 Sept. in Lett. & Memorials (1883) III. 8 A good sleep would have put me to rights.
1888 J. Bryce Amer. Commonw. III. lxxxix. 216 The lists of voters, which had been carelessly..made up, were set to rights.
1929 K. S. Prichard Coonardoo xv. 144 She set to work to put her kitchen ‘to rights’.
1978 M. Lavin Tales Bective Bridge (rev. ed.) 40 It was going to take time to get the place to rights again.
1990 N. Gordimer My Son's Story 55 As she walked out she put up a hand to set a stray strand of her hair to rights.
2001 Daily Tel. 6 July 27/1 She trapezes across the world putting everything to rights.
†(ii) At once, straightaway; (also) completely, altogether. In early use frequently in to sink to rights. Obsolete (U.S. regional in later use).
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > immediacy > [adverb]
soonc825
ratheeOE
rathelyeOE
rekeneOE
rekenlyOE
thereright971
anonOE
forth ona1000
coflyc1000
ferlyc1000
radlyOE
swiftlyc1000
unyoreOE
yareOE
at the forme (also first) wordOE
nowOE
shortlya1050
rightOE
here-rightlOE
right anonlOE
anonc1175
forthrightc1175
forthwithalc1175
skeetc1175
swithc1175
with and withc1175
anon-rightc1225
anon-rights?c1225
belivec1225
lightly?c1225
quickly?c1225
tidelyc1225
fastlyc1275
hastilyc1275
i-radlichec1275
as soon asc1290
aright1297
bedenea1300
in little wevea1300
withoute(n dwella1300
alrightc1300
as fast (as)c1300
at firstc1300
in placec1300
in the placec1300
mididonec1300
outrightc1300
prestc1300
streck13..
titec1300
without delayc1300
that stounds1303
rada1325
readya1325
apacec1325
albedenec1330
as (also also) titec1330
as blivec1330
as line rightc1330
as straight as linec1330
in anec1330
in presentc1330
newlyc1330
suddenlyc1330
titelyc1330
yernec1330
as soon1340
prestly1340
streckly1340
swithly?1370
evenlya1375
redelya1375
redlya1375
rifelya1375
yeplya1375
at one blastc1380
fresha1382
ripelyc1384
presentc1385
presently1385
without arrestc1385
readilyc1390
in the twinkling of a looka1393
derflya1400
forwhya1400
skeetlya1400
straighta1400
swifta1400
maintenantc1400
out of handc1400
wightc1400
at a startc1405
immediately1420
incontinent1425
there and then1428
onenec1429
forwithc1430
downright?a1439
agatec1440
at a tricec1440
right forth1440
withouten wonec1440
whipc1460
forthwith1461
undelayed1470
incessantly1472
at a momentc1475
right nowc1475
synec1475
incontinently1484
promptly1490
in the nonce?a1500
uncontinent1506
on (upon, in) the instant1509
in short1513
at a clap1519
by and by1526
straightway1526
at a twitch1528
at the first chop1528
maintenantly1528
on a tricea1529
with a tricec1530
at once1531
belively1532
straightwaysa1533
short days1533
undelayedly1534
fro hand1535
indelayedly1535
straight forth1536
betimesc1540
livelyc1540
upononc1540
suddenly1544
at one (or a) dash?1550
at (the) first dash?1550
instantly1552
forth of hand1564
upon the nines1568
on the nail1569
at (also in, with) a thoughtc1572
indilately1572
summarily1578
at one (a) chop1581
amain1587
straightwise1588
extempore1593
presto1598
upon the place1600
directly1604
instant1604
just now1606
with a siserary1607
promiscuously1609
at (in) one (an) instant1611
on (also upon) the momenta1616
at (formerly also on or upon) sight1617
hand to fist1634
fastisha1650
nextly1657
to rights1663
straightaway1663
slap1672
at first bolt1676
point-blank1679
in point1680
offhand1686
instanter1688
sonica1688
flush1701
like a thought1720
in a crack1725
momentary1725
bumbye1727
clacka1734
plumba1734
right away1734
momentarily1739
momentaneously1753
in a snap1768
right off1771
straight an end1778
abruptedly1784
in a whistle1784
slap-bang1785
bang?1795
right off the reel1798
in a whiff1800
in a flash1801
like a shot1809
momently1812
in a brace or couple of shakes1816
in a gird1825
(all) in a rush1829
in (also at, on) short (also quick) order1830
straightly1830
toot sweetc1830
in two twos1838
rectly1843
quick-stick1844
short metre1848
right1849
at the drop of a (occasionally the) hat1854
off the hooks1860
quicksticks1860
straight off1873
bang off1886
away1887
in quick sticks (also in a quick stick)1890
ek dum1895
tout de suite1895
bung1899
one time1899
prompt1910
yesterday1911
in two ups1934
presto changeo1946
now-now1966
presto change1987
the world > relative properties > wholeness > completeness > completely [phrase] > altogether, entirely, or completely
bedenec1175
all outc1300
downrightc1330
downrightsc1330
at alla1375
whole together1551
in all sorts1559
right out1578
clear1600
neck and heels1647
to rights1663
head over ears1774
neck and crop1791
fair and square1870
in total1965
1663 S. Pepys Diary 8 June (1971) IV. 177 Mr. Coventry and us two did discourse with the Duke a little.., and so to rights home again.
1673 J. Dryden Amboyna iii. 33 The Vessel Rifl'd, and the rich Hould rummag'd, they sink it down to rights.
1683 T. Tryon Way to Health 390 The King..ordered him to be carried to rights, to the Tower.
1695 J. Woodward Ess. Nat. Hist. Earth 134 The whole Tract..sinks down to rights into the Abyss underneath.
1702 S. Parker tr. Cicero Five Bks. De Finibus v. 303 When Indigent People are ready..to suffer any Thing rather than die to Rights.
1726 J. Swift Gulliver I. ii. viii. 151 The Hulk.., by reason of many Breaches.., sunk to rights.
1731 G. Medley tr. P. Kolb Present State Cape Good-Hope I. 34 The poor fellow, in a most piteous condition, and his heart sinking to rights under the melancholy notion he had of it.
1835 C. A. Davis Lett. J. Downing, Major (new ed.) 129 So to rights the express got back, and brought a letter.
1848 Knickerbocker 31 178 I'm going to start a dairy to-rights.
(iii) slang (originally U.S.). In the context of apprehending a criminal: with no chance of escape or acquittal; red-handed, in the act.Frequently to get (a person) (dead or bang) to rights: see also dead to rights at dead adv. 2b and bang to rights at bang v.1 9.
ΚΠ
1843 Proc. Old Bailey 3 July 18 Some person in the street hallooed out, ‘Jem, what is the matter?’—Elliott said, ‘They have got us all to rights, they have got eleven in the trap.’
1859 G. W. Matsell Vocabulum 25 Dead to rights, positively guilty, and no way of getting clear.
1864 National Police Gaz. (U.S.) in Comments on Etymol. (1987) Dec. 18 He..found himself in the grab of a detective, who had..only waited for the opportunity of ‘collaring’ him ‘to rights’.
1881 A. Trumble Slang Dict. N.Y., London & Paris 36/2 To rights. The evidence is conclusive enough to convict.
1929 D. Hammett Red Harvest xiii. 132 I played your side when he tried to frame you. This time he's got you copped to rights.
1983 D. Francis Danger (1984) xv. 208 They finally gave their names, once they saw we'd got them to rights.
2002 P. King & R. King New Kings' Tales 68 I've got you to rights, Flasher... You've nicked these from the Governor's safe.
†(n) with (also mid) right: in accordance with reason or justice (cf. sense Phrases 2a(i)); rightfully, properly. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > rightness or justice > [phrase]
with (also mid) righteOE
by right?a1160
skillc1250
of right?c1450
by rights1738
eOE (Kentish) Royal Charter: Æðelberht to Æðelred (Sawyer 332) in W. de G. Birch Cartularium Saxonicum (1887) II. 116 Meda be eastan ee sue ðer mid riahte to ðem lande limpað.
OE Blickling Homilies 123 Seo mennisce gecynd..mæg mid rihte þæm Scyppende lof & wuldor secgean þara ara.
lOE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1127 Þa forlæs he þet [sc. the archbishopric] mid rihte, forþi þet he hit hæfde æror beieten mid unrihte.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 1395 Enngless haffdenn heoffness ærd Forrlorenn all wiþþ rihhte.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 173 Seint beneit &..seint antoine..weren..ipruuet to treowe champiuns & swa wið richte of serueden kempene crune.
c1300 St. Brendan (Laud) l. 53 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 221 (MED) He..seide þat we ouȝten Ihesu crist þonki suyþe wel with riȝte.
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. iii. 238 Lorde, who shal..resten on þi holy hilles?.. Tho þat..han wrouȝte werkis with riȝte and with reson.
c1440 (?c1350) in G. G. Perry Relig. Pieces in Prose & Verse (1914) 23 (MED) With gud ryghte þay loue þe and Onoures þe and gloryfyes þe, all thy creatures.
a1475 Sidrak & Bokkus (Lansd.) (Ph.D. diss., Univ. of Washington) (1965) 11019 (MED) Kynges and princes oght with right Her londes to deffende with fight.
1587 Sir P. Sidney & A. Golding tr. P. de Mornay Trewnesse Christian Relig. iii. 40 Mortall sight, Too weake to see the lightfull Iove that ruleth all with right.
1614 A. Gorges tr. Lucan Pharsalia iv. 148 Cæsar may with right confesse, That he in vs hath vndergone A bloody losse worthy of mone.
1651 T. Hobbes Philos. Rudim. i. 11 All men account to be done justly, and with right; Neither by the word Right is any thing else signified.
1752 C. Smart Poems on Several Occasions 205 Ye lawyers so just, who with slippery tongue, Can do what you please, or with right, or with wrong.
P2. (In branch II.)
a. In prepositional phrases denoting justifiable title or claim to something.
(a) as of right: by virtue of legal or moral entitlement. Cf. of right at Phrases 2a(h).
ΚΠ
1624 T. Gataker Christian Constancy 27 Nor can wee claime ought as of right from him for all that we doe for him.
1700 C. Leslie Ess. Right of Tythes ix. 112 Now if the Gospel has nothing as of Right, which it can Claim.
1784 A. Smith Inq. Wealth of Nations (ed. 3) III. v. iii. 136 Administration laid claim to their territorial acquisitions, and the revenue arising from them, as of right belonging to the crown.
1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People x. §4. 791 While England repelled the claims of the Prince of Wales to the Regency as of right, Ireland admitted them.
1909 H. G. Wells Tono-Bungay (U.K. ed.) ii. §7. 33 Eggs at unusual times, the reboiling of milk, the rejection of an excellent milk pudding..dictated as of right.
1944 Blackwood's Mag. June 453/2 Invitations were sent as of right to European officers, but not to Indian officers of equal rank.
2005 New Statesman 7 Mar. 29/1 Semi-sentient bloodstock from the aristocratic classes form part of the legislature as of right.
(b) by (†good, etc.) right: according to legal or moral entitlement; (also) = of right at Phrases 1b(i). Also occasionally by rights.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal right > by right [phrase]
with (also mid) righteOE
by (good, etc.) rightc1330
of righta1425
by right ofc1434
in right of1439
society > morality > dueness or propriety > [phrase]
on (also upon) righteOE
by (good, etc.) rightc1330
to rightsc1330
well and truly1348
of very (due) right?a1366
to righta1382
at right1487
in one's way1691
society > morality > dueness or propriety > [phrase] > by right or with justifiable claim
with (also mid) righteOE
by (good, etc.) rightc1330
of righta1425
by rights1738
c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) 990 He it [sc. a child] cristned... Þe fende þerof hadde grame, For þai lese þer þe miȝt Þat þai wende to haue bi riȝt.
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. x. 343 (MED) Þei [sc. the poor] han heritage in heuene, and bi trewe riȝte.
c1466 in Archaeologia (1887) 50 52 Askynge..their Casuallys and other thynges þt long to hem be right ameabully.
1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour i. xxiv. sig. Mv Whiche praise with the honour therevnto due, as inheritaunce discendeth by righte vnto his most noble sonne.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. lxxviij [He] affirmed the kyngdome to be his by good right.
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III i. iii. 169 The sorrow that I haue by right is yours. View more context for this quotation
c1616 W. Mure Misc. Poems xx. 10 Pretending tytyls..By ry[ch]t hereditar to serve thy grace.
1671 J. Milton Paradise Regain'd ii. 325 Owe not all Creatures by just right to thee Duty and Service? View more context for this quotation
1707 H. Sloane Voy. Islands I. Introd. 87 The Turtle-fishery..thought..to be ours by right... The Turtle-fishing..pretended to by the French of the Island Tortugas.
1789 J. Bentham Introd. Princ. Morals & Legisl. xvi. 271 One man then is guardian by right: another man comes and makes himself so by usurpation.
1855 C. Kingsley Westward Ho! I. ii. 32 Days when the gentry of England were by due right the leaders of the people.
1863 C. Dickens Uncommerc. Traveller in All Year Round 24 Oct. 207/1 Any little matters which ought to be ours by rights.
1901 Times 3 July 5/6 They..enter a protestation ‘saving to themselves and their successors all such rights in judicature as they have by law and by right ought to have’.
1960 R. Davies Voice from Attic iv. 137 Many servants had no holiday by right, except the middle Sunday of Lent, called Mothering Sunday.
1994 Amer. Spectator June 30/2 Such employees are permanent staff only by tradition, not by right, and the Clintons apparently think nothing of..replacing White House ushers, telephone operators, correspondence clerks, and chefs.
(c) by right of: by virtue of, on the grounds of; †through the legal entitlement of (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal right > by right [phrase]
with (also mid) righteOE
by (good, etc.) rightc1330
of righta1425
by right ofc1434
in right of1439
society > morality > dueness or propriety > [preposition] > by right of
by right ofc1434
in right of1439
c1434 Petition (P.R.O.) 336.15865 (MED) He was pesible ceised in a manoir..with certeyn londes and tenementz..be right of his wyfe, the wheche hadde ioynt estate with her former husbond.
c1443 R. Pecock Reule of Crysten Religioun (1927) 351 (MED) Þe wijf ȝeuyþ hir fleisch to her husbonde in al þat he may aske þerynne bi riȝt of wedlok.
1565 A. Golding tr. Ovid Fyrst Fower Bks. Metamorphosis i. f. 5v O suster, O my louying spowse..Whome Nature fyrst by right of byrthe hath lynked too mee fast In that we brothers chyldren bene.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. iv. 48 To you th' inheritance belonges by right Of brothers prayse, to you eke longes his love.
1611 Bible (King James) Tobit iii. 17 She belongeth to Tobias by right of inheritance. View more context for this quotation
1698 J. Locke Two Treat. Govt. 125 One that was, by Right of Nature, to Inherit all..exclusive..of his brethren.
1776 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall I. xi. 320 He disdained to hold his power by any other title than that of the sword, and governed by right of conquest.
1789 W. Cowper On Queen's Visit to London 3 By right of worth, not blood alone, Entitled here to reign!
1842 Ld. Tennyson Palace of Art (rev. ed.) in Poems (new ed.) I. 149 Hers by right of full-accomplish'd Fate.
1866 C. Kingsley Hereward the Wake II. ii. 36 Pack up the Englishman's plate-chest, which we inherited by right of fist.
1909 H. James Golden Bowl I. Pref. p. v The somebody is often..an unnamed, unintroduced and (save by right of intrinsic wit) unwarranted participant.
1959 Observer 1 Mar. 10/1 This ‘manor’—a tenement neighbourhood in North London—is theirs by right of birth and conquest.
2003 D. H. Moy Living Trusts xvii. 384 In her will, Zella gives her residuary estate in equal shares to her sister, Laura, her brother, Earl, and her sister, Ina Mae, or their respective surviving children by right of representation.
(d) in right: as regards the law or legal entitlement; legally; to be in right: (of a person) to have a legal right.
ΚΠ
c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) 7495 A nywe louerd þat more in riȝte [B.v.r. in more ryȝt] was.
1461–2 Rolls of Parl.: Edward IV (Electronic ed.) Parl. Nov. 1461 §15. m. 5 To any other men of religion, havyng any chirche, hospitall or chapell..of the yifte or graunte of any of the kynges in dede and not in right.
1642 T. Fuller Holy State ii. xix. 123 Nor doth it follow that he hath the best in right, who hath the best in fight.
1737 Treat. Equity iv. 35 And it is a common Maxim, that he, who has the Precedency in Time, has the Advantage in Right.
1841 J. F. Cooper Deerslayer I. i. 26 Perhaps we are so, in fact, whatever it may be in right—but there is a law, and a law maker, that rule across the whole continent.
1981 Double Tressure No. 3. 32 In Scotland, as on the Continent, the same individual may be in right to more than one coat of arms.
(e) in right of: on the grounds or basis of; through the legal or moral entitlement of.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal right > by right [phrase]
with (also mid) righteOE
by (good, etc.) rightc1330
of righta1425
by right ofc1434
in right of1439
society > morality > dueness or propriety > [preposition] > by right of
by right ofc1434
in right of1439
1439–40 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Nov. 1439 §43. m. 5 Noght seised of lond or rentes.., bot in right of þeire wyves.
1556 J. Heywood Spider & Flie lxxxviii. sig. Nn But: in right of either part: to determin ought: What thei for their part: or you for yours should haue, Shift that among you: for it forsith me nought.
1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene v. iii. sig. O3 To chalenge all in right of Florimell, And to maintaine, that she all others did excell. View more context for this quotation
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage iv. viii. 379 Solimanbee,..who made challenge to the State in right of his wife.
1686 J. Dryden To Pious Memory A. Killigrew vi, in A. Killigrew Poems sig. a4 To the next Realm she stretcht her Sway..And the whole Fief, in right of Poetry she claim'd.
1704 in J. Swift Tale of Tub sig. A3v I should now, in right of a Dedicator, give your Lordship a List of your own Virtues.
1791 T. Paine Rights of Man i. i There is no English origin of kings... They are descendants of the Norman line in right of the Conquest.
1859 J. M. Jephson & L. Reeve Narr. Walking Tour Brittany xvi. 258 Claiming the dukedom in right of his wife.
1887 H. R. Haggard Allan Quatermain i Nought have I brought save this mine axe; in right of which once I ruled the people of the axe.
1910 Encycl. Brit. I. 779/1 He married Isabella, the daughter of Amalric I. by his second marriage, and became king of Jerusalem in right of his wife.
1988 J. C. K. Cornwall Wealth & Society in Early 16th Cent. Eng. iii. 112 In 1528 Underwood, as life tenant in right of his wife, transferred the property to another non-resident.
2006 Independent 23 Dec. 33/2 A woman, for instance may be a duchess in right of her husband or she may succeed to the title from her father and thus enjoy it in her own right.
(f) in the right of a person (also in one's right): in a person's (or one's) name; through a claim or entitlement held by a person (or oneself). Chiefly with reference to entitlement by a husband through his wife.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal right > by right [phrase] > in one's own right
in one's right1472
in one's own right1502
1472–3 Rolls of Parl.: Edward IV (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1472 1st Roll §14. m. 30 Castelles, lordships, maners, [etc.]..in the possession of the same Richard and Anne his wyfe, as in the right of the same Anne.
1540 Act 32 Hen. VIII c. 48 The castell of Douer, wherof the kinges maiesty is verye owner in the right of the imperial crowne of this his realme.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 53 Wherefore king Henry hauyng now maryed the sayde Alianor claymed as in her right the Erledome of Tholose.
1601 W. Fulbecke Parallele or Conf. Law i. f. 49 Where the husband is seised of a Seignorie in the right of his wife, a man may not make conusans as baily to the husband, but as bayly to them both.
1642 tr. J. Perkins Profitable Bk. i. §100. 44 An assignee..is such a person who doth occupie in his own right; and a deputie such a person who doth occupie in the right of another.
1729 G. Jacob New Law-dict. at Merger Where a Man hath a Term in his own Right, and the Inheritance descends to his Wife, so as he hath a Freehold in her Right; the Term is not merged or drowned.
1766 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. II. 435 The only method he had to gain possession of it, was by suing in his wife's right.
1830 W. H. Ireland England's Topographer IV. 405 She had issue only by her second husband, Sir Reginald Braybrooke, one sole daughter and heir, Joan, who married Sir Thomas Brooke, of Somersetshire, and he became lord Cobham in her right.
1885 Law Times Rep. 53 526/1 Property which should come to the wife, or the husband in her right.
1910 Encycl. Brit. I. 188/2 Otto I., the German king..had formed the design of marrying her and claiming the Italian kingdom in her right.
1958 Eng. Hist. Rev. 73 232 Dingwall claimed most of the estate in the right of his wife.
2001 Burlington Mag. Mar. 157/1 He was entitled, in the right of his wife Mary Bonkil, to a share in the property.
(g) in one's own right (a) through one's own position or effort; independently of one's relationship to others (also with non-personal subject); (b) in one's name; = in one's right at Phrases 2a(f).
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal right > by right [phrase] > in one's own right
in one's right1472
in one's own right1502
1502 tr. Ordynarye of Crysten Men (de Worde) v. vii. sig. ssivv Euery creature in his owne ryght ought faythfully to labour to the entent that he may fynally haue the experyence of suche meruaylle.
1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Surueyeng xviii. f. 33 No man shall do homage, but he that hath a state of enherytaunce in fee symple or in fee tayle, in his owne right or in his wyues.
1572 A. Golding tr. H. Bullinger Confut. Popes Bull f. 80v Then in his owne right bequeathing these kingdomes to his Cousin Peter king of Aragon.., he [sc. Corradine] held out his necke vnfearefully to the execution and had his head striken of.
1619 E. M. Bolton tr. Florus Rom. Hist. iii. xvii. 337 The Gentrie..robbd the common-weale in their owne right.
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan iv. xliv. 341 That which the High Priest did to Athaliah, was not done in his owne right, but in the right of the young King Joash her Son.
1682 J. Bunyan Holy War 113 I am therefore come up against thee in mine own right, even to recover mine own inheritance out of thine hand. View more context for this quotation
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones I. i. x. 52 Where they might enjoy almost the same Advantages of a liberal Fortune as if they were entitled to it in their own Right . View more context for this quotation
1778 J. Carver Trav. N.-Amer. 41 This heroine was ever after treated by her nation as their deliverer, and was made a chiefess in her own right.
1839 C. Dickens Nicholas Nickleby iv. 27 She has a little money in her own right.
1863 Times 11 Mar. 5/2 The Crown Princess of Prussia..has always been popular in her own right.
1939 G. B. Shaw In Good King Charles's Golden Days i. 47 When I am King—as I shall be, in my own right, and not by the leave of any Protestant parliamentary gang.
1965 Listener 2 Sept. 331/1 I shall try to say something of the fundamental problems of science which are of the deepest significance in their own right.
2005 N. Hornby Long Way Down 97 If I'd known that Jess was newsworthy in her own right, then I could have prepared myself.
(h) of right: by virtue of legal or moral entitlement (cf. sense Phrases 1b(i)).
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal right > by right [phrase]
with (also mid) righteOE
by (good, etc.) rightc1330
of righta1425
by right ofc1434
in right of1439
society > morality > dueness or propriety > [phrase] > by right or with justifiable claim
with (also mid) righteOE
by (good, etc.) rightc1330
of righta1425
by rights1738
a1425 Edward, Duke of York Master of Game (Digby) xxxiii Lete þe houndes comme too and eete þe flessh..for þat is hir rewarde of reght.
c1450 Siege Calais (Rome) in PMLA (1952) 67 892 Thair possessioun..longed to hem of Right.
1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) i. 159 The kynryk ȝharn I nocht to have Bot gyff it fall off rycht to me.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. MMvi He that of very right owed the cappe.
1576 A. Fleming tr. C. Hegendorphinus in Panoplie Epist. 391 He may (of right) chalenge to him self this singular title.
1656 Earl of Monmouth tr. T. Boccalini Ragguagli di Parnasso ii. xxi. 255 He ought of right to have precedency.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 611 To come..and worship thee of right declar'd Sovran of Creatures. View more context for this quotation
1707 J. Chamberlayne Angliæ Notitia (ed. 22) ii. vi. 98 He [sc. the king's eldest son] may that Day sue for the Livery of the said Dukedom [of Cornwall] and ought of Right to obtain the same.
1824 W. Cobbett Hist. Protestant Reformation xi. §330 Those great estates, which of right belonged to the poorer classes.
1907 Times 21 Aug. 2/4 A lion-tailed macaque (Macacus silenus) often miscalled the wanderoo, a name which of right belongs to the purple-faced langur (Semnopithecus cephalopterus) of Ceylon.
1996 N. Doe Legal Framework Church of Eng. xvii. 472 For Easter offerings as belonging of right to the incumbent, see e.g. CDH, 171.
(i) with (also mid) right: with legal entitlement or justifiable claim (cf. Phrases 1b(n)). In early use often with shall.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal right > by right [phrase]
with (also mid) righteOE
by (good, etc.) rightc1330
of righta1425
by right ofc1434
in right of1439
society > morality > dueness or propriety > [phrase] > by right or with justifiable claim
with (also mid) righteOE
by (good, etc.) rightc1330
of righta1425
by rights1738
eOE King Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Otho) (2009) I. v. 398 [Hi me habbað] benumen mines [naman þe ic mid] rihte habban sceolde.
OE Beowulf (2008) 2056 Þara banena byre nathwylces..þone maðþum byreð, þone þe ðu mid rihte rædan sceoldest.
c1300 St. Gregory (Laud) l. 29 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 356 Ȝif þat [lond] is swuch ase [þe] men beoth: name it hauez with riȝte.
c1350 (a1333) William of Shoreham Poems (1902) 59 He spekeþ of þyng þat his to come, Þat scholde be myd ryȝte Of treuþe.
c1450 (?a1400) Sege Melayne (1880) 1020 (MED) Slayne in the felde gif þat I bee, Kynge off Fraunce here make I the, With reghte þe Reme to lede.
1508 Golagros & Gawane (Chepman & Myllar) sig. diiii Yoght I myght reif thame with right rath to my handis.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry V i. ii. 96 May we with right & conscience make this claime.
1698 E. Ravenscroft Ital. Husband ii. i. 21 The life I gave, I may with right call mine; And what is mine, my Honoor will defend.
1754 G. Jeffreys Misc. 46 But persevering Courage found the way To lose with honour, and invade with right.
1864 A. Trollope Can you forgive Her? I. xviii. 148 No one would be at Matching who could torment Alice, either with right or without it.
2003 S. W. Berry All that makes Man 10 Today, women's historians can claim, with right, that ‘in no way has the historical landscape changed more radically..than in the emergence from the deep shadows of the other half of the population’.
(j) within one's rights: not exceeding one's entitlement or authority.
ΚΠ
1847 Howitt's Jrnl. May 241/2 The moral sense of humanity has prohibited actions which—once deemed perfectly within their rights—would now be justly stigmatized as crimes.
1862 J. C. Morton Arthur Young's Farmer's Cal. (ed. 21) Feb. 63 The articles on which he insisted as the only terms on which his land should be let were quite within his rights as owner.
1881 A. Trollope Dr. Wortle's School II. i. 3 He is no doubt a clergyman of the Church of England, and Dr. Wortle was within his rights in asking for his assistance.
1958 Visct. Montgomery Mem. (1961) 359 A commander of national forces is always within his rights to make clear his views on operational policies to his superior.
2000 P. W. B. Semmens & A. J. Goldfinch How Steam Locomotives really Work vii. 255 Originally a signalman was within his rights to hold a train at a converging junction.
b. In phrases with other nouns.
(a)
claim of right n. Law a formal assertion of a right of possession, use, etc.; also in extended use.
ΚΠ
1573 J. Bridges Supremacie Christian Princes 906 How many Princes in Christendome haue you yt be chosen in that sort, of so free voluntarie choice as you speake of, or not rather their kingdomes belong vnto them, by claime of right & succession.
1717 W. Nicolson London Diaries 3 May (1985) 657 He..observes that (contrary to Ol. Wormius's claim of Right for his Danes) the true Tribeing of the Skaldi is in this order.
1771 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) II. xlii. 139 [He] rejects with indignation the claim of right, which his adversary endeavours to establish.
1893 Times 14 Apr. 13/6 There was, moreover, a bona fide claim of right, and the jurisdiction of the magistrates was ousted.
1996 Cycle Touring & Campaigning Apr. 28/1 Sixteen of the longest-use cyclists are providing Statutory Declarations on Oath (affidavits) for a claim of right to use these tracks.
(b)
Categories »
monstrance of right n. Law see monstrance n.1 2.
(c)
right of abode n. Law the right to reside in a particular place (also figurative); (now) spec. the right to live and work in a country without restrictions.
ΚΠ
1771 C. Walmesley Gen. Hist. Christian Church viii. 202 The sensual appetites claimed here their right of abode.
1775 S. Johnson Journey W. Islands 13 One of the vaults was inhabited by an old woman, who claimed the right of abode there.
1850 M. J. Kennedy tr. I. da Costa Israel & Gentiles iv. 541 Among those [sc. Jews] who were tolerated by inheritance, the right of abode descended to only one child of the family.
1971 Immigration Act c. 77. i. ii. §6 In the following provisions of this Act the word ‘patrial’ is used of persons having the right of abode in the United Kingdom.
2001 Hong Kong Imail (Nexis) 23 July The territory's highest court ruled that only natural-born Hong Kong children were entitled to right of abode.
(d)
writ of right n. [after Anglo-Norman bref de dreit (13th cent. or earlier)] Law a writ which is grantable as a matter of right, as opposed to a prerogative writ; similarly title of right.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > process, writ, warrant, or order > [noun] > writ > other types of writ
utrumc1290
quo warrantoa1325
writ of right closea1325
writ of oyer and terminer1414
writ of right1414
quare impedit?a1424
prohibition?1435
praecipec1440
supplicavita1450
replevy1451
ouster-le-main1485
praecipe in capitec1523
value1527
inhibition1532
rehabilitation1533
melius inquirendum1549
ne exeat regnum1559
quo minus1592
letters (or writ) of supplementc1600
inhibition1603
fair pleading1607
ingressu1607
ne exeat regno1607
account1622
associationa1625
ship-writ1640
cessavit1641
ne exeat1644
devastavit1651
right close1651
writ of second deliverance1652
fair pleader1655
beaupleader1700
proclamation writ1713
writ of inquiry1809
writ of intendence and respondence1881
1414 Petition in Rotuli Parl. (1767–77) IV. 59/2 Oure Lond, by the Kynges Writ of right enclosed.
1425 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Apr. 1425 §12. m. 4 Ther are to consider ynne þis matere..two þinges; þat is to sey, oon matier of possession, anoþer thing verrey title of right.
?c1500 Killing of Children (Digby) l. 109 In conseruacion of my tytell of right.
1579 W. Fulke Heskins Parl. Repealed in D. Heskins Ouerthrowne 89 A writ of right being brought against him, prescription of possession will not serue him.
a1634 E. Coke 3rd Pt. Inst. Lawes Eng. (1648) lxxii. 158 In a Writ of right, if the tenant wage battail by his Champion.
1726 W. Nelson Lex Maneriorum 36 [The Court of the Manor] 'tis a Court which may try the Mise joined upon a Writ of Right.
1817 W. Selwyn Abridgem. Law Nisi Prius (ed. 4) II. 1085 A Quo warranto being in the nature of a writ of right.
1894 L. O. Pike Constit. Hist. House of Lords 171 This writ, known in later times as Praecipe in capite, was the Writ of Right applicable to a tenant in chief of the Crown as distinguished from an undertenant owing suit to the Court of his Lord.
1944 Amer. Hist. Rev. 49 203 In time the little writ of right when brought for such land in the manor court could by ‘protestation’, as it was called, be changed into some other form of land action.
2003 P. Brand Kings, Barons & Justices i. iii. 100 When seignorial courts were authorised to hear such cases by the writ of right the litigants were provided with important safeguards against the lord's failure to provide justice.
writ of right close n. [after Anglo-Norman bref de dreit clos (13th cent. or earlier)] Feudal Law a royal writ dealing with a case concerning the tenants of a manor, only valid in and applicable to the court of the lord of that manor. Also little writ of right close, petty writ of right close. Cf. right close n.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > process, writ, warrant, or order > [noun] > writ > other types of writ
utrumc1290
quo warrantoa1325
writ of right closea1325
writ of oyer and terminer1414
writ of right1414
quare impedit?a1424
prohibition?1435
praecipec1440
supplicavita1450
replevy1451
ouster-le-main1485
praecipe in capitec1523
value1527
inhibition1532
rehabilitation1533
melius inquirendum1549
ne exeat regnum1559
quo minus1592
letters (or writ) of supplementc1600
inhibition1603
fair pleading1607
ingressu1607
ne exeat regno1607
account1622
associationa1625
ship-writ1640
cessavit1641
ne exeat1644
devastavit1651
right close1651
writ of second deliverance1652
fair pleader1655
beaupleader1700
proclamation writ1713
writ of inquiry1809
writ of intendence and respondence1881
a1325 Statutes of Realm (2011) xxv. 85 Þei in þe olde seignurie of þe corone ne ourne no writ oþer þan þe luttle writ of riȝt clos, noȝt forþi I sai mine maistres in þre cas nimen assise of nouele deseisine.
c1523 J. Rastell Expos. Terminorum Legum Anglorum sig. E. 8 Yf any land in auncion demesne be in varyauns betwene the tenauntys than ye tenaunt so greuyd shall haue agaynst the other a wryt of ryght close.
1533 in I. S. Leadam Select Cases Court of Requests (1898) 37 All the Tenauntes within the seid manour haue vsid..to plede..within the same manour by pety writte of righte close for all maner of pleys towching their landes.
1607 J. Cowell Interpreter sig. Iii4v/1 at Recto A writ of right close..lieth for those, which hould their lands..by charter in fee simple..or in dower, if they be eiected out of such lands.
1614 J. Selden Titles of Honor 335 In the writ of Right Close, the Tenure must not be laid per liberum seruitium, because..no Free man may bring that writ.
1701 G. Booth Nature & Pract. Real Actions ii. ii. 86 Præcipe in Capite, is a Writ of Right Close.
1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. III. 195 There is likewise a little writ of right close,..which lies for the king's tenants in antient demesne,..to try the right of their lands and tenements in the court of the lord exclusively.
1831 R. Fox Hist. Godmanchester v. 89 Upon informalities apparently much less important, Writs of Right Close are numerous in the Court Records of the Borough, from the most antient times, but for the last half century have been less common.
1865 F. M. Nichols in tr. Britton II. 338 (margin) Writ of right close not removable.
1925 Harvard Law Rev. 38 483 Will an ordinary common-law writ (not the little writ of right close which was the peculiar privilege of ancient demesne) run for the recovery of a tenement..for a parson whose only remedy is the utrum?
1988 Jrnl. Econ. Hist. 48 446 Despite the importance modern authorities attached to the little writ of right close, Havering tenants displayed no liking for it.
writ of right patent n. [after Anglo-Norman bref de dreit patent (15th cent. or earlier)] Feudal Law a royal writ ordering a lord to hear a case between his free tenants.
ΚΠ
c1523 J. Rastell Expos. Terminorum Legum Anglorum sig. E.6v/2 It is a wryt of ryght patent which shalbe tryed by batell or graunt assyse.
1607 J. Cowell Interpreter sig. Ddd2a Sometime a writ of Right patent: as when it issueth out of any Lords court, for any of his tenents deforced, against the deforcer, and must be determined there.
1732 G. Jacob City-liberties 168 There are several Writs executable in London; as the Writ of Right Patent in Plea of Land.
1797 C. Watkins Treat. Copyholds I. iv. 169 Timothy Walgrave..made protestation to prosecute his said plaint in this Court, in the form and nature of a writ of right patent at the common law, according to the custom of the said manor.
1836 Legal Observer 30 Apr. 495/2 The plaintiff..issued his writ of right patent, in pursuance of the last-mentioned section, before the 1st of June last.
1937 Univ. Toronto Law Jrnl. 2 37 Whether in a writ of right patent directed to the lord of the manor..the court held by virtue of the writ was or was not a court of record.
2003 M. Mulholland in M. Mulholland & B. Pullen Judicial Tribunals in Eng. & Europe, 1200–1700 iv. 84 It became necessary for the claimant in a dispute over freehold land to obtain a writ of right patent before he could compel his opponent to answer in the lord's court.
†P3. (In branch III.)
on right: directly, straight. Obsolete. [Probably partly aphetic < i-riht n.; compare Old English on geriht (also on gerihte), in the same sense.]
ΚΠ
OE Bounds (Sawyer 623) in P. H. Sawyer Charters of Burton Abbey (1979) 23 Of þam mere on riht to þam lytlan bro[ce] up &land [read andlang] cumbes to þam sceardan beorge.
lOE Bounds (Sawyer 412) in W. de G. Birch Cartularium Saxonicum (1887) II. 358 Of ðere riðe norðeweardre on riht to gosleage wege.
c1350 ( Bounds (Sawyer 466) in W. de G. Birch Cartularium Saxonicum (1887) II. 476 Þanen on þe merefourh and soa on riȝt over dauntesbourne.

Compounds

C1.
right-conferring adj.
ΚΠ
1816 J. Bentham Introductory View 17 in Extract Constit. Code: Official Aptitude Maximized A civil, or say a right-conferring code.
2001 M. C. Murphy Natural Law in Jurisp. & Politics (2006) 49 When there is a right-conferring legal norm..the law has made a commitment.
right-leaning adj. sympathetic to or tending towards the political right; having political views and opinions which are relatively right-wing.
ΚΠ
1958 Pacific Affairs Dec. 325 Chou En-lai announced that opposition to ‘right-leaning’ conservatism would be the main theme of the first session of the Party's eighth congress.
1993 Vanity Fair Apr. 227/1 Once a right-leaning friend of President and Madame Pompidou, Bergé used his mushrooming cultural powers..to forge links with the Socialists.
2014 C. Seife Virtual Unreality iv. 72 MSNBC..by filling its schedule with shows that appeal to liberals..made a play for the leftist Democrats to the exclusion of the more centrist and right-leaning folks.
C2.
right-left adj. of or between the right and the left (in various contexts); frequently with reference to reflective symmetry.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > quality of having sides or being a side > [adjective] > situated at the side > right and left
right and left1611
right and left handed1738
left and right1856
right-left1904
1904 Psychol. Rev. 11 385 The second mirror gave a right-left as well as a front-back reversal of the real position of the fingers.
1928 Jrnl. Exper. Psychol. 11 399 A pseudophone..gave the wearer a right-left reversal of audition.
1964 M. Critchley Developmental Dyslexia ix. 60 Dyslexics show only a mild tendency towards a malperformance of higher order right-left orientation exercises.
1970 S. Rokkan Citizens, Elections, Parties x. 335 He sees in this circumstance a possible explanation for the absence of a clear-cut tradition of right-left polarization in the United States.
1978 Science 24 Feb. 852 (heading) Right-left asymmetries in the brain.
1995 New Yorker 19 June 63/3 The most interesting are radical and explicitly fusion-oriented, rejecting the right-left dichotomy.
rights issue n. Stock Market an issue of shares offered at a special price by a company to its existing shareholders.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > stocks, shares, or bonds > [noun] > share > issue of
rights issue1935
1935 Economist 4 May 1010/1 The index is ‘cumulative’, and takes account of bonus and ‘rights’ issues made during the period.
1955 Times 20 Aug. 11/2 The Commercial Bank of Australia's ‘rights’ issue of 2,105,868 Ordinary shares of 10s. (Australian currency) at 15s. each has been over-subscribed without recourse to the underwriters.
1976 Birmingham Post 16 Dec. 9/5 Lazards are to discuss the intricate and difficult problems of the conflicting timing of its offer for Dunford and Elliott and Dunford's rights issue with the takeover Panel.
2002 BusinessWeek 22 July 52/2 The shares of BT Group PLC and Dutch telco KPN rose after they used rights issues to help get debt under control.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2010; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

rightadj.int.

Brit. /rʌɪt/, U.S. /raɪt/
Forms:

α. early Old English reoht, Old English ræht (Anglian), Old English rect (Northumbrian), Old English reiht (Northumbrian), Old English (chiefly Anglian)–early Middle English reht, Middle English reght, Middle English reghte, Middle English reȝt, Middle English rethe, Middle English reyt, Middle English reyte, late Middle English reit, late Middle English reyght, late Middle English reyȝt; Scottish pre-1700 reght, pre-1700 reicht, pre-1700 reycht, 1700s reight, 1800s– recht (north-eastern); Irish English 1800s reicht (Wexford), 1800s reight.

β. early Old English ryhtt- (inflected form), Old English hriht (rare), Old English rihte- (in compounds), Old English–Middle English riht, Old English–Middle English ryht, late Old English hryct, late Old English rieht, late Old English–early Middle English richt, early Middle English rihht ( Ormulum), early Middle English rist, Middle English rȝt (transmission error), Middle English rich, Middle English ricth, Middle English riȝ, Middle English riȝght, Middle English riȝht, Middle English riȝhte, Middle English rigt, Middle English riȝt, Middle English riȝte, Middle English rigth, Middle English riȝth, Middle English rigthe, Middle English riȝtt, Middle English riȝtte, Middle English riȝty (transmission error), Middle English rih, Middle English rihct, Middle English rihst, Middle English rihte, Middle English rihtt, Middle English rihtte, Middle English rijȝt, Middle English rit, Middle English rite, Middle English rith, Middle English rithe, Middle English ritht, Middle English ritth, Middle English rothes (plural, transmission error), Middle English rycht, Middle English ryg, Middle English ryȝ, Middle English ryȝght, Middle English rygh, Middle English ryghe, Middle English ryȝht, Middle English ryȝhte, Middle English ryghtȝ, Middle English rygt, Middle English ryȝte, Middle English rygth, Middle English ryȝth, Middle English ryȝthe, Middle English ryȝtt, Middle English ryȝtte, Middle English ryȝtth, Middle English ryȝtthe, Middle English ryhte, Middle English ryt, Middle English ryte, Middle English ryth, Middle English rythe, Middle English rytht, Middle English wryght (perhaps transmission error), Middle English ziȝt (transmission error), Middle English–1500s ryȝt, Middle English–1600s righte, Middle English–1600s ryghte, Middle English–1700s ryght, Middle English– right, late Middle English ryde (transmission error), 1600s wright; English regional 1700s reart (Devon), 1700s– reet (chiefly northern), 1800s raight, 1800s– reeght (northern), 1800s– reight, 1800s– roight, 1900s– reyt (Yorkshire); U.S. regional 1800s rite, 1900s– reet; Scottish pre-1700 riche, pre-1700 richte, pre-1700 ricth, pre-1700 ritht, pre-1700 rvychte, pre-1700 rych, pre-1700 rycht, pre-1700 rycth, pre-1700 ryght, pre-1700 ryt, pre-1700 ryth, pre-1700 rytht, pre-1700 wrycht, pre-1700 1700s– richt, pre-1700 1700s– right, 1800s reeght (southern); also Irish English 1700s riaught (Wexford), 1800s– richt.

Origin: A word inherited from Germanic.
Etymology: Cognate with Old Frisian riucht , riocht (West Frisian rjocht ), Old Dutch reht (Middle Dutch recht , richt , Dutch recht ), Old Saxon reht (Middle Low German recht ), Old High German reht (Middle High German reht , German recht ), Old Icelandic réttr , Old Swedish rätter (Swedish rätt , also rät ), Danish ræt (Danish ret ), Gothic raihts < the same Indo-European base as classical Latin rectus (see rect adj.), ancient Greek ὀρεκτός stretched out, and also (with different vocalism) Old Persian rāsta- straight (Persian rāst true, straight), ultimately showing a derivative formation < the base of classical Latin regere to rule (see regent adj.) and probably also of reke v.2, rech v., reken adj., and reckon v. Broadly the same range of meanings is found in all of the early Germanic languages; however, senses relating to the right-hand side (of the human body, etc.) appear to be restricted to West Germanic languages, and are not common in the earliest stages even of these, hence they seem likely to show secondary developments (compare swither adj. for the usual word in Old English, and see dexter adj. for the evidence for an Indo-European word with this meaning). In Old English this meaning is recorded only in right hand n., in which the word probably referred originally to the perception that the right hand was the stronger and the more appropriate for most tasks. (In a number of the Romance languages the same meaning has also developed in a derivative of classical Latin rectus, ultimately from the same base; compare French droit, Catalan dret, Spanish derecho, Portuguese direito, Romanian drept < classical Latin dīrectus.)On the form history see discussion at right n. The Old English (Anglian) form ræht (apparently showing a reflex of the Anglian smoothed form reht : see α. forms) has not been satisfactorily explained; compare cnæht and gefæht , Anglian variants respectively of knight n. and fight n., and see further A. Campbell Old Eng. Gram. (1959) §227 note 2. In Old English frequent as the first element in compounds, some of which provide the earliest attestation of particular senses (compare senses A. 8a, A. 9, A. 14a). Probably influenced semantically in a number of senses by association with classical Latin rectus rect adj. (especially in the technical uses at sense A. 2) and with Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French, French droit . With branches A. II. and A. III. compare righteous adj., rightful adj.
A. adj.
I. Senses relating to position or direction.
1.
a. That is straight; not bent, curved, or crooked. Formerly also †right with: in a line with (obsolete). Now only in right line n. at Compounds 2.as right as a ram's horn: see ram's horn n. 1. right as a line: see line n.2 12.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > straightness > [adjective]
rightOE
straightc1350
rightfulc1384
line-rightc1400
rule-righta1450
streckc1480
unbent1483
straight forth1536
unwried1558
steel-straighta1560
untwisted1575
uncurled1597
rectified1598
cornerless1605
uncrooked1611
unbended1648
retent1656
uninflected1713
curveless1800
arrow-straight1834
unconvoluted1839
unwarped1855
curlless1861
undistorted1881
poker-straight1949
OE Blickling Homilies 207 Wæs þæt ilce hus..hwemdragen, nalas æfter gewunan mennisces weorces þæt þa wagas wæron rihte.
OE tr. Pseudo-Apuleius Herbarium (Vitell.) (1984) clxxxi. 226 Ðeos wyrt..hafað leaf swylce wingeard & rihte stelan [L. caules rectos].
lOE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) (Peterborough interpolation) anno 656 Swa þet rihte weie x mile lang to Cuggedic..& fra Raggewilh v mile to þe rihte æ þe gað to Ælm.
a1225 (?OE) MS Lamb. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 7 (MED) Þe witeȝa het þet we sculde makien his stiȝes; þenne make we ham rihte [L. rectas] ȝef we haldet his beode.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) 3904 Þa Bruttes..nomen longen ræftres, stronge & rihte.
a1300 (c1275) Physiologus (1991) 60 He..wið his riȝte bile Takeð mete ðat he wile.
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 252v A ȝerde..whanne it is ȝonge..if it..crokeþ..it is hard..to make it eft euene and right.
a1425 (c1300) Assumption of Virgin (BL Add.) (1901) l. 666 As soone as he hadde seide þis bede..Alle his lymes bi come ful ryȝt.
c1450 in F. J. Furnivall Hymns to Virgin & Christ (1867) 46 (MED) Crokid & creplis he makiþ riȝt.
a1500 ( J. Yonge tr. Secreta Secret. (Rawl.) (1898) 233 The body al holle and wel y-mesurid, ryght estature [ Abbrev. is body be holl and right vp].
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball i. lxxii. 107 The stem of this herbe..is right and straight.
1599 R. Hakluyt Divers Voy. II. i. 167 Right with the maine mast or after-quarter of the shippe.
1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 588 It hath a mane standing vp in the vpper part right or direct, but hollow or bending before.
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. ii. viii. 73 Hold the Instrument..with the Foot AB right with the Horizon level.
1704 J. Harris Lexicon Technicum I. (at cited word) Right Muscles of the Head.
1759 J. Fortescue Diss., Ess. & Disc. II. 184 Who can the scatter'd particles unite, Make the ugly beauteous and the crooked right.
†b. Of a route or course: direct, going straight towards its destination. Obsolete.In Old English and Middle English often overlapping with sense A. 7a (‘fitting, appropriate, proper’), leading to uncertainty as to which meaning is intended, esp. when way is the qualified noun (see also sense right side n.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > a straight course > [adjective]
forthrightc1000
rightOE
evenc1175
straightc1400
directa1500
right forth1561
outright1582
ungiddy1615
undeclined1638
forerighta1640
rectilinear1651
right-lined1702
rectilineala1774
arrow-straight1834
straightaway1874
point-to-point1930
society > travel > means of travel > route or way > [adjective] > direct
rightOE
straightc1400
directa1500
undevious1773
OE Ælfric Old Eng. Hexateuch: Num. (Claud.) xx. 17 Bæd þæt he moste faran forð ofer his land be rihtum wege & ne reppan his nan þingc.
OE tr. Felix St. Guthlac (Vesp.) (1909) iii. 113 He..þa sona þan rihtestan wege [L. rectissimo callis tramite] þyder togeferde.
OE tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (Cambr. Univ. Libr.) i. ix. 46 Hi him ða eac to ræde..fundon, þæt hi gemænelice fæsten geworhten.., stænene weal rihtre stige fram eastsæ oð westsæ.
c1175 ( Homily: Hist. Holy Rood-tree (Bodl. 343) (1894) 20 Ða wolde he forð on his weȝ to hierusalem, ac þet hors..natoþæshwon on þone rihte wæȝ faren wolde.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) 13296 Þa eorles..aneuste at-arnden euere þene rihte wæi þe touward þan wude lai.
c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) 772 (MED) He couþe þe rithe wei To lincolne.
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) 5322 (MED) He rides..to-wardes rome þo riȝtes gates.
?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) (1889) 62 (MED) Now will I tell ȝow þe rightest way and þe schortest to Ierusalem.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) v. l. 3 The day faillit, throu the rycht cours worthit schort.
1535 D. Lindsay Satyre 1929 Wische me the richt way till Sanct-Androes.
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde iii. vi. f. 120 A newe and ryghter way founde of late.
1600 E. Fairfax tr. T. Tasso Godfrey of Bulloigne xix. cxvi. 360 Many follow'd that enquest, But these alone found out the rightest way.
a1652 I. Jones Most Notable Antiq. called Stone-Heng (1655) 92 Ermin-street..led the right way into the Northern Countreys.
1661 in Rothesay Town Council Rec. (1935) I. 67 That..may be prejudiciall to the right course and current of the rater.
1742 C. Viner Gen. Abridgm. Law & Equity XVI. 37 Where I used to go directly, now I must go round about out of my right way.
c. True, straight, unfaltering, sure. Now somewhat archaic.In figurative context or in extended metaphor, qualifying way, path, etc., referring to what is considered requisite to achieve some abstract, esp. spiritual, end. Cf. (the) right way at Phrases 1.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > [adjective]
soothc825
soothlyc888
soothfastc950
rightOE
lealc1330
verilya1340
veryc1386
truea1398
soothfulc1400
real1440
vray1460
trothlike1544
of verityc1550
verimenta1592
correct1705
truthful1781
truthy1848
unillusory1853
straight-up1910
OE Ælfric Catholic Homilies: 2nd Ser. (Cambr. Gg.3.28) xxiii. 216 Þa beoð healte ðe rihtne gang on godum weorcum nabbað.
OE Blickling Homilies 109 Þa men þe bearn habban..him tæcean lifes weg & rihtne gang to heofonum.
lOE King Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Bodl.) (2009) I. xxii. 288 Þu ne mihtest gyt ful rihtne weg aredian to þam soðum gesælðum.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 10922 He doþ himm i þe rihhte stih. Off iwhillc rihht wisnesse.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 127 (MED) Him behoueþ ate uerste þet he habbe prudence..and riȝtuolnesse þer-mide; þet is þe riȝte peþ.
a1425 Rule St. Benet (Lansd.) (1902) 47 Ȝe may ga þe right gate to god alle-mihti.
c1450 J. Capgrave Life St. Augustine (1910) 2 He was cause..with his bokis þat many a soule is ledde þe rith weye to heuene.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 27 We must now seke out..the veray true & commyn wele, seyng that we have therby thus found..the ryghtyst way therto.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. x. sig. I6v All..take delight With many rather for to goe astray,..Then with a few to walke the rightest way.
1617 R. Speght Morzell for Melastomvs 15 With all lenitie and milde perswasions set their feete in the right way.
1691 T. Shadwell Scowrers v. i. 53 No pow'r but Love could thus call back a stray, From all the crooked Paths, to the right way.
1724 J. Henley et al. tr. Pliny the Younger Epist. & Panegyrick I. iv. ii. 157 The Boy had an acute, but a doubtful Genius; yet one, that might pursue a right Path, if he did not resemble his Father.
1775 W. Romaine Ess. Psalmody vi. 144 There is but one right way to the city of habitation.
1857 Dublin Univ. Mag. Nov. 544 Thanks to you, my wife, for keeping me in the right and straight path, when I was about to wander.
1907 H. Halid Crescent versus Cross iii. 37 They find consolation in the words uttered by the priest at the grave-side, though it is doubtful whether these will be of use to the dead in finding the right way to Heaven.
1957 G. T. Thompson tr. K. Barth Church Dogmatics II. i. vii. 244 By trying to establish their own righteousness whilst on the right way to the right destination, they themselves become sinners.
2003 L. C. Thurow Fortune favors Bold (2005) iv. 131 These religious wars were not brought to an end by settling religious issues about central truths (who has the right way to heaven) or by a rise in religious tolerance.
d. Of lineage or descent: direct, legitimate. Now frequently in right line of descent (also succession) and in extended use.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > lineage or descent > [adjective] > in direct line
rightc1330
lineal1426
direct1548
c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 1808 (MED) Anon turned her mode To Vter Pendragounes riȝt blod.
1399 Rolls of Parl.: Henry IV (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1399 1st Roll §53. m. 18 I yt am disendit be right lyne of the blode comyng fro the gude lorde Kyng Henry therde.
J. Metham Amoryus & Cleopes (1916) l. 2150 (MED) This knyght despousyd had a lady, Hauyng decens be ryght lynage Off that wurthy and excellent stok lyneally, That Poolys men clepe.
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll.) 231 Of Ector also was he com by the ryght lyne.
1532 (c1385) Usk's Test. Loue in Wks. G. Chaucer ii. f. cccxxxviii Who is discended of right bloode of lyne fro king Artour?
1570 in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xiii. 117 Ane teinfull tratour of rycht successioun.
1595 Countess of Pembroke tr. R. Garnier Trag. Antonie v. sig. G3 v Remember not So many braue Kings which haue Egipt rul'de In right descent your ancestors haue beene.
a1657 G. Daniel Trinarchodia: Henry V c, in Poems (1878) IV. 126 Mortimer, Earle of March, in the right Line Discendent, and to fore declared Heire.
1697 J. Dryden Ded. Æneis in tr. Virgil Wks. sig. a3v Pulci, Boyardo, and Ariosto, wou'd cry out, make room for the Italian Poets, the descendants of Virgil in a right Line.
1749 ‘T. Thumb’ Hist. Eng. 49 Henry Plantagenet, Son of the Empress Maud..did, by his right Descent from Henry I. restore the true Norman Line.
1797 Encycl. Brit. III. 4/2 He [sc. Obeidallah] pretended to be descended in a right line from Fatema..for which reason..the Arabs called him and his descendants Fatemites.
1834 W. Betham Orig. & Hist. Constit. Eng. I. vii. 163 The election of an individual out of the hereditary line of right descent of the crown, acquired for the commons the right of assent or dissent from the enactment of laws.
1887 Viscount Bury & G. L. Hillier Cycling (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) 59 The bicycle of the present day is a descendant in the right line of the ‘dandy’ or ‘hobby horse’ of 1819.
1931 Harvard Law Rev. 44 705 This presupposition..is in the right line of descent from the successive fashions on the social sciences a generation ago.
1957 E. Clarke My Mother who fathered Me ii. 51 The eldest son has a superior right—provided he is in the right line of descent.
2007 M. Frazer Traitor's Tale 11 He had..wrenched the crown out of the right line of succession and taken the throne by right of arms, not by right of blood.
†e. Used in figurative contexts with reference to the foot (foot n. 2a): maintaining a straight, true, or faithful course. Obsolete. [Chiefly after Galatians 2:14, where the Greek text has ἀλλ' ὅτε εἶδον ὅτι οὐκ ὀρθοποδοῦσιν πρὸς τὴν άλήθειαν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου; the Vulgate has Latin sed cum vidissem quod non recte ambularent ad veritatem evangelii, the King James Bible, ‘But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel’. ‘To walk or go with a right foot’ is a literal translation of Hellenistic Greek ὀρθοποδεῖν, usually interpreted as ‘to walk uprightly’, although some modern scholars consider the sense to be rather ‘to advance, make progress’.]
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > a straight course > [adjective] > keeping a straight course
right1583
unturning1593
inerratic1662
undiverted1665
undeviating1785
undiverging1795
undeflected1852
swerveless1863
undeviated1889
1583 A. Nowell et al. True Rep. Disput. E. Campion sig. Mivv Hee walked not with a right foote according to the truth of the Gospel.
1603 S. Daniel Def. Rime sig. G5 v Discretion is the best measure, the rightest foote in what pase soeuer it runne.
a1645 D. Featley in T. Fuller Abel Redevivus (1651) 540 All their children treading in their holy steps, walked with a right foot to the Gospell.
1697 S. Sewall Diary 10 Feb. (1878) I. 142 Pardon all my folly and perverting my way, and help me to walk with a right foot.
1752 J. Spier Christian's Man. vi. 63 Happy are they, who being touched by the hand of God, become dead to the flesh, and walk on the right foot.
†f. Grammar and Logic. [After classical Latin rectus rect adj., itself after ancient Greek ὀρθός (see ortho- comb. form).] Designating a case which is not oblique (oblique adj. 4); nominative. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > case > [adjective] > nominative
rightc1590
subjective1794
nominative1808
nominatival1843
c1590 J. Leech Certaine Gram. Questions sig. C2 Rectus casus signifieth the right case, and the nominatiue case is so called, because it setteth downe rightly the very name of euery thing, as homo.
1656 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. II. viii. 42 The right (or nominative) case, is so called by the Stoicks, whom the Grammarians follow, because it falleth directly from the notion which is in the mind.
a1831 Encycl. Metrop. (1845) I. 32/1 The first case is called the right, or nominative case.
2.
†a. Astronomy. Of the horizon: lying at right angles to the celestial equator; (esp. of the apparent course of a celestial object) at right angles to the horizon. Contrasted with oblique adj. 2a. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Brussels) (1940) ii. §26. f. 91 The spere solide..schewith openly the diuerse ascencions of signes..as wel in the riȝt [v.r. ryghtȝ] cercle as in the embelyf.
1595 J. Davis Seamans Secrets ii. sig. I1 There are two kindes of Horizons, a right Horizon, and an oblique Horizon: when the Poles are in the Horizon, then is it a right Horizon.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 541 The setting Sun..with right aspect..Leveld his eevning Rayes. View more context for this quotation
1715 tr. D. Gregory Elements Astron. I. ii. §6. 221 For either the Horizon of the Place is right to the Equator,..or it is oblique.
b. Geometry. Of a line or surface: lying at right angles. Of an angle: equal to 90 degrees (cf. right angle n.). Of a solid figure with an axis, as a cone, cylinder, or prism: having its axis perpendicular to the plane of its base. Contrasted with oblique adj. 2b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > angularity > [adjective] > constituting an angle > right > having the ends at right angles with the axis
righta1690
1579 J. Stubbs Discouerie Gaping Gulf sig. Fivv The very rightest perpendicular downfal that can be imagined from the point.
a1690 S. Jeake Λογιστικηλογία (1696) 524 If a Right Cylinder have the Diameter 14, and the Height..as much; then shall the Area of each Base be 154.
1748 H. Ellis Voy. Hudson's-Bay 93 The land trenched away from East by North to North by West, making right Points of the Compass.
1840 Civil Engineer & Architect's Jrnl. 3 232/1 It is a common idea that the oblique is weaker than the right arch.
1877 B. Williamson Elem. Treat. Integral Calculus (ed. 3) ix. Ex. 12 The axis of a right circular cylinder.
1914 W. Dinwiddie Essent. Logic vi. 107 Angles are right, acute, or obtuse.
2003 H. R. Jacobs Geometry (ed. 3) xv. 644/1 A right prism whose bases are right triangles.
†3.
a. Of a part of the body, esp. the eyes: directed straight forwards. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > direction > specific directions > [adjective] > having forward direction > directed straight forward
rightc1425
straightforward1807
c1425 Edward, Duke of York Master of Game (Vesp. B.xii) (1904) 92 (MED) Þe oþer belowyn with a ryght [v.r. reght] mosel bifore hem.
1598 Bp. J. Hall Virgidemiarum: 3 Last Bks. v. ii. 62 Thy right eye gines to leape for vaine delight, And surbeate toes to tickle at the sight.
1616 J. Lane Contin. Squire's Tale (Douce 170) (1888) i. iv. 33 Wrest the streight crooked, the right eyes besquint.
1616 T. Scot Philomythie (ed. 2) sig. P Nature first did try To make right eyes, by making yours awry.
b. Of a punch or blow: (a) (chiefly Scottish) straight, true, well-aimed; (b) direct, made with the forehand (cf. reverse adj. 3). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impact > striking > [adjective] > direct
right1488
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) ii. l. 62 The tothir fled..Bot a rycht straik Wallas him gat that tyd.
1591 J. Harington tr. L. Ariosto Orlando Furioso xlii. xlvii. 354 Right blowes and reardemaine, he striketh many [It. colpi a dritto, e a riuerso tira assai].
1591 J. Florio Second Frutes 119 Hee will hit any man..with a right or reverse blowe.
1594 I. G. tr. G. di Grassi True Arte Def. Sig. Ee4 When, after this right blowe [It. dopo questo diritto], he would discharge a reverse, he must encrease a slope pace.
1682 Manner King's Tryal at Westminster-hall (single sheet) Strike Home, besure that thou a right Blow fetch, I come, I come Lord Jesus, then he cry'd, One Blow his head and Body did Devide.
II. Senses relating to truth, correctness, or propriety.
4. Of a person, disposition, etc.: disposed to do what is just or good; upright, righteous. Cf. sense A. 7d. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > virtue > righteousness or rectitude > [adjective]
righteOE
righteouseOE
right-doingOE
rightfullOE
justc1384
rekenc1400
justfulc1425
upright1530
right-up1539
right-minded1574
principled1697
well-minded1824
unwrongful1876
eOE (Mercian) Vespasian Psalter (1965) xxiv. 7 (8) Dulcis et rectus dominus : swoete & reht dryhten.
eOE (Mercian) Vespasian Psalter (1965) xxxi. 13 (11) Gloriamini omnes recti corde: wuldriað alle rehte on heortan.
OE Crist I 18 Eala þa [read þu] reccend ond þu riht cyning, se þe locan healdeð.
a1225 (c1200) Vices & Virtues (1888) 83 (MED) Make hes hlutter and clene, þat tu muȝe wuniȝen mid me, and rihtne gost newe inne me.
c1390 Castle of Love (Vernon) (1967) 398 Þou art kyng, riht domesmon; þer beþ rihte domes mitte.
a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) 1763 (MED) A gode man and ryȝt, certeyn, Dwelled besyde þat wasteyn.
?a1425 tr. Catherine of Siena Orcherd of Syon (Harl.) (1966) 189 (MED) Bettire it is for to go to axe counceile of soule heelþe to oon þat is meke and haþ an holy, riȝt conscience, þan to a proud lettrid clerk.
a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) vii. §10. 26 When he sees oure hert..noght be delityd in flechly luf..he makis vs mare right.
1576 A. Fleming tr. G. Macropedius in Panoplie Epist. 360 Execute this office simply, justly, and according to the rule of a right conscience.
a1625 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Two Noble Kinsmen (1634) iii. vi. 215 You are a right woman, Sister; you have pitty, But want vnderstanding where to use it. View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 352 But God left free the Will, for what obeyes Reason, is free, and Reason he made right . View more context for this quotation
1681 R. Baxter Apol. Nonconformists Ministry 124 Want of dispositive willingness or of a right will.
1753 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison IV. ix. 76 Can a right heart be ungrateful?
1770 E. Burke Let. 8 Sept. in Corr. (1960) II. 157 He is a right man, and I make no doubt much yours.
1871 J. Morley Crit. Misc. (1878) 1st Ser. 23 Hence, in right character there is no struggle at all.
1888 S. Ferguson Lays Western Gael 78 Right conscience made the judgment good.
1914 W. B. Yeats Responsibilities 29 It's plain that you are no right man To mock at everything I love.
5.
a. Done in accordance with justice or goodness; equitable, just; morally good, justified, or acceptable. In later use chiefly predicative.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > rightness or justice > [adjective]
righteOE
rightfula1225
skilful1340
veryc1440
justc1450
fair-minded1645
dextera1734
just-minded1825
square dinkum1888
fair dinkum1912
eOE (Mercian) Vespasian Psalter (1965) xxxii. 4 Quoniam rectus est sermo domini et omnia opera eius in fide : for ðon reht is word dryhtnes & all werc his in geleafan.
OE West Saxon Gospels: Luke (Corpus Cambr.) xii. 57 Hwi ne deme ge of eowsylfum þæt riht is?
lOE King Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Bodl.) (2009) I. iii. 246 Se cwide..þæt nan anweald nære riht butan rihtum þeawum.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 18773 Itt iss..unnderr cristess rihhte dom & inn hiss rihhte wræche.
a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 179 (MED) Ne wile þe louerd ben paid mid his rihcte mol.
a1300 (?c1250) Owl & Nightingale (Jesus Oxf.) (1935) l. 179 Fo we on myd rihte dome.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 370) (1850) 2 Chron. xxvii. 2 He dide that was riȝt before the Lord.
1445 tr. Claudian's De Consulatu Stilichonis in Anglia (1905) 28 267 (MED) Al that right is thou grauntyst soon.
a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) xviii. §9. 70 The rightwisnesis of lord right, gladand hertes..Right ere his rightwisnesis, that is his laghe.
1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes f. 145 That he maye learne to liue in a right trade of vertue and honestee.
1579 Poore Knt.'s Palace G iij b No freendship hath withdrawe his minde to leve the rightest part.
1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. xxii. xxxix. 457 b That right and true dealing may well be sicke, but it shall not die.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xii. 16 With some regard to what is just and right [they] Shall lead thir lives. View more context for this quotation
1745 Bp. J. Butler Serm. in Wks. (1874) II. 276 Religion is the principal security of men's acting a right part in society.
1754 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison VII. xxvi. 126 I sincerely think this is the rightest measure you can now pursue.
1774 J. Woolman Jrnl. iii. 197 I told the man that I believed the practice of continuing slavery to this people was not right.
1852 H. B. Stowe Uncle Tom's Cabin II. xix. 8 Don't you..ever do anything that you did not think quite right?
1881 Cent. Mag. Nov. 45/2 She has been doing something that is not right.
1928 D. H. Lawrence Lady Chatterley's Lover xi. 194 I said to him: If I don't care, why should you? It's my look-out!—But all he'd ever say was: It's not right!
1976 Encounter June 40/2 I'm more confident than I've ever been and I know what I'm doing is right.
2004 H. Kennedy Just Law (2005) ii. 35 Certain types of resistance may be morally right and it is unhelpful to label all political violence as terrorism.
b. it is right. With infinitive or that-clause.
ΚΠ
eOE King Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Otho) (2009) I. xxix. 526 Forðæm hit is riht þæt ða goodan hæbben good edlean hiora godes.
OE (Northumbrian) Lindisf. Gospels: Luke xx. 22 Licet nobis dare tributum caesari an non : is reht uel us to seallanne þæt geafel ðæm caseri uel no?
OE Homily: Sermo Bone Praedicatio (Otho B.x) in A. S. Napier Wulfstan (1883) 304 Þonne is hit rihtast, þæt he [sc. the widower] þanonforð buton ælcum wife wunige.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 2532 Þatt iss rihht onn eorþe. Þatt mann kinn be till drihhtin godd Herrsumm onn alle wise.
a1225 (c1200) Vices & Virtues (1888) 151 (MED) Hit is riht ðat we heriȝen and þankin and bledscin fader and sune and hali gast.
c1400 (?c1380) Patience l. 431 (MED) Is þis ryȝt so ronkly to wrath For any dede þat I haf don?
a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) 6837 It es right þat þai duelle þare, In þat hidus myrknes ever-mare.
a1500 tr. A. Chartier Traité de l'Esperance (Rawl.) (1974) 51 (MED) It is noo right that man shulde enquere by presumpcion to moche vpon divine prouidence.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Acts iv. B Whether it be right before God, that we shulde be more obedient vnto you, then vnto God.
1568 A. Scott Poems (1896) xx. 31 Þairfoir it is bot rycht That thow indure þe pane.
1663 S. Butler Hudibras: First Pt. i. iii. 235 They thought it was but just and right, That [etc.].
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 570 It is..right thou shouldst be obeyd. View more context for this quotation
1741 S. Richardson Pamela III. xxii. 285 Is it right that one Gentleman shall have two or three Livings, the Duties of no more than one of which he can personally attend?
1791 T. Paine Rights of Man ii. v It is right to place the prohibition beyond the probable acquisition to which industry can extend.
a1832 J. Bentham Wks. (1843) II. 522 It is right that men should be as near upon a par with one another..as they can be made.
1881 H. James Portrait of Lady I. xiii. 144 I am glad he wrote to you; it was right that he should, and he would be certain to do what was right.
1913 W. Cather O Pioneers! ii. ii. 92 Listen, mistress it is right that you should take these things into account.
1960 K. Amis Take Girl like You xxvi. 301 Do you think it's right to give up your principles for somebody you're in love with?
2001 Times 26 Feb. i. 10/1 We are just asking whether it is right that a potential future Chancellor of the Exchequer should be receiving a large wodge of cash from fat cat oil companies.
6.
a. That agrees with some standard or principle of correctness; consonant with the facts; correct, true.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > conformity to or with a pattern, etc. > [adjective] > conforming to a standard rule
rightOE
justc1384
verya1425
orderly1542
ruled1551
normatic1598
formal1635
solemn1639
regular1643
mathematical1776
reglementary1800
rule-right1877
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > foundation in fact, validity > [adjective] > accurately so named
rightOE
verya1300
verya1387
perfectc1387
propera1398
veritable1483
real?1505
dinkum1914
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > freedom from error, correctness > exactness, accuracy, precision > [adjective]
rightOE
namely?c1225
lealc1330
very1338
truec1400
justc1425
exquisite1541
precise?a1560
jump1581
accuratea1599
nice1600
refined1607
punctual1608
press?1611
square1632
exact1645
unerring1665
proper1694
correct1705
pointed1724
prig1776
precisivea1805
as right as a trivet1835
spot on1936
OE Ælfric's Colloquy (1991) 18 Quid curamus quid loquamur, nisi recta locutio sit : hwæt rece we hwæt we sprecan buton hit riht spræc sy?
lOE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) anno 627 He sende Scottum gewrit þet hi scoldon gecerran to rihtum Eastrum.
c1225 (?OE) Soul's Addr. to Body (Worcester) (Fragm. A) l. 35 Mon hine met mid one ȝerde and þa mol[de] seoþþen, ne mot he of þære molde habben nammore þonne þet rihte imet [rih]tliche tæcheþ.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 4148 Moyses is..sex score winter old, And ðog him lestede hise sigte brigt, And euerilc toð bi tale rigt.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 252 Sobrete [c1450 Bk. Vices & Virtues sobrenesse] ne is oþer þing bote to loky riȝte mesure ine alle þinges.
a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) 3308 (MED) Þe tale was ryȝt and trew.
a1475 Bk. Curtasye (Sloane 1986) l. 137 in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 303 Who so euer despise þis lessoun ryȝt, At borde to sitt he hase no myȝt.
a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 62 Ane raknyng richt cummis of ane regiment small.
a1568 R. Ascham Scholemaster (1570) ii. f. 55v The knowledge of the tonges..was manifestly contemned: and so, ye way of right studie purposely peruerted.
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost v. ii. 518 A right description of our sport my Lord. View more context for this quotation
c1630 R. Sanderson Serm. II. 301 To bring us, by a righter understanding of our selves, to a better knowledge of God.
1678 R. Cudworth True Intellect. Syst. Universe i. iv. 274 He contends, that the Pagans did entertain righter Opinions concerning the Supreme God, than the Jews themselves.
1709 J. Palmer Disc. Latter Day Glory 117 Time..will discover which is the rightest way of counting.
1762 S. Foote Orators i. 9 The perfectioning of our countrymen in..the right use of their native language.
1779 E. Burke Let. 25 May in Corr. (1963) IV. 79 What you say about his engaging in parties may be right for any thing I know to the Contrary.
1845 C. Darwin Jrnl. (ed. 2) x. 208 Several times they have declared what some distant object has been,..doubted by every one, they have proved right.
1871 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues IV. 61 In the next book, Plato pursues further his notion of educating by a right use of pleasure.
1904 J. Conrad Nostromo i. vi. 67 In fact, the hobby theory was the right one.
1956 A. Church Introd. Math. Logic (rev. ed.) I. 2 The reasoning may be right though the facts be wrong, and it is just in maintaining this distinction that we separate the form from the matter.
2001 J. Boyle Galloway Street 153 If I manage to get the right answer he lets on to be amazed.
b. Of religious belief or a religious principle: orthodox, true; that ought to be accepted or followed.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > orthodoxy > [adjective]
righteOE
orthodoxc1454
catholicc1500
sound1526
catholicala1530
orthodoxastical1570
orthodoxical1577
orthodoxal1607
symmetral1660
hardshell1836
hard-shelled1842
observant1902
bien pensant1923
eOE (Mercian) Vespasian Psalter: Canticles & Hymns (1965) xi. 5 Fides calore ferueat, fraudis uenena nesciat : se rehta geleafa mid haetu walle facnes atur nyte.
OE Ælfric Homily (Cambr. Ii.4.6) in J. C. Pope Homilies of Ælfric (1967) I. 357 Godspell is..ða word þe he spræc on þissere worulde, mancynne to lare and to rihtum geleafan.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 15372 To follȝhenn..þe rihhte lare off godd. & off þe rihhte læfe.
c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (Bodl.) (1981) l. 639 (MED) For nabbe ich nawt teos niht i worldliche wecchen, ah habbe in heouenliche iwaket, þear as me rihte bileaue schawde me.
a1300 (c1275) Physiologus (1991) 386 Ðe mikle, I mene ðe stedefast In riȝte leue mid fles & gast.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 126 (MED) Hi ne hedden naȝt riȝte byleue.
c1400 (a1376) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Trin. Cambr. R.3.14) (1960) A. xi. l. 307 (MED) Arn none raþere yrauisshid fro þe riȝte [a1450 Rawl. ryȝtthe, c1425 Soc. of Antiquaries rigthe] beleue Þanne arn þise grete clerkis þat conne many bokis.
a1450 (a1400) Titus & Vespasian (BL Add. 36523) l. 2327 (MED) Sire clerc, I prey now the Þe right faith þat þou me kenne.
a1475 Sidrak & Bokkus (Lansd.) (Ph.D. diss., Univ. of Washington) (1965) 987 (MED) Þo þat ben in right bileue Goddes sone shal hem forȝeue.
1548 T. Cooper Bibliotheca Eliotæ (rev. ed.) Orthodoxus, a man of a right opinion, faith, or belefe.
1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1888) I. 111 Sincere luue of the rycht Religione.
1648 H. Hexham Groot Woorden-boeck Recht-geloovigh, of the True and Right faith, or Orthodoxall.
1684 B. Keach Progress Sin ii. 26 He is made up, they say, with a right Faith and holy Life.
1742 J. Bisset Let. to Gentleman in Edinb. 112 He would have it believed that Opposition was made to right Doctrine.
1760 W. Law Of Justif. by Faith & Wks. 7 Ascribe good Works to the same Original, and divine Power, as a right Faith must be ascribed to, and then Faith and Works are equally one Power of God to Salvation.
1855 A. Barnes Prayers for Families 247 Give him the true repentance towards God, and the right faith in the only Saviour of the world.
1873 Presbyterian Q. & Princeton Rev. Apr. 324 His main scope was to promote a holy life as the best and most compendious way to a right belief.
1907 Catholic Encycl. I. 772/2 Their eight-fold path of virtues is: right beliefs, right aspiration, right speech, right conduct, right means of livelihood, right endeavour, right memory, right meditation.
1950 O. Wyon tr. E. Brunner Christian Doctirne of God I. 98 Dogmatics does not try to find, or want to find, the ‘fundamental motive of Primitive Christianity’, but the right doctrine of God.
1991 Canada Lutheran Nov. 16/4 Many in the church find it tedious to..think seriously about the faith. They therefore lack the wisdom and interpretation of right confession.
c. With agent nouns: correct, exact, true. Now chiefly in right believer.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > freedom from error, correctness > exactness, accuracy, precision > [adjective] > characterized by precision
rightOE
curious1526
critical1617
scrupulous1638
primsy1786
focused1892
OE Aldhelm Glosses (Digby 146) in A. S. Napier Old Eng. Glosses (1900) 7/1 Orthographorum, rihtwritera [OE Brussels 1650 rihtwitera].
1549 M. Coverdale et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. II. Gal. iv. f. xv Abraham, the beginner and father of all right beleuers, had two sonnes.
1556 J. Heywood Spider & Flie xcii. 76 This mayde right mesurer to me is, As I to other haue mesurde wrong.
a1568 R. Ascham Scholemaster (1570) ii. f. 64v He requireth a learned Reader, and a right considerer of him.
1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie iii. xix. 197 This manner of speech is by the figure Dialogismus, or the right reasoner.
1641 J. Trapp Theologia Theol. 347 Yet they will need be the only Musulmans, that is, right Beleevers.
1650 T. Fuller Pisgah-sight of Palestine ii. xii. 257 Whose inhabitants were..right shooters (at an haires breadth and faile not) but unrighteous livers.
1753 P. Skelton Consultation 18 The right dabsters at a sly, or a dry joke.
1766 W. Bell Def. of Revelation xviii. 304 It is..far from being the case, that a Right Believer in Christ may, on account of that belief, venture to deviate farther, than a Right Believer in natural religion.
1848 Monthly Relig. Mag. Sept. 411 The right reader does understand, that the Psalmist here rises above the level of personal enmity and utters the condemnation of God.
1897 Econ. Jrnl. 7 260 The coincidence may be partly due to their common Kantian training, though we may hope it is still more largely due to a necessary agreement of right reasoners.
1964 Jrnl. Philos. 61 22 He was an atheist regarding the gods of power..which the right believers of all the world petition and adore.
2008 A. Lance You can begin Again iii. xii. 256 God the Holy Spirit had been going before me, making a way for me to be in the right place at the right time to meet the right believers to help me.
d. That leads towards the place one wishes to reach, that leads in the correct direction. Frequently in figurative contexts.on the right track: see track n. 10.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > direction > [adjective] > right, proper, or good (of direction)
right1567
positive1873
society > travel > means of travel > route or way > way, path, or track > [adjective] > of roads or directions: straight, direct
gaina1000
evenc1175
readyc1330
graith1352
nigh1516
right1567
near1579
forerighta1640
bain1864
1567 W. Painter Palace of Pleasure II. xxix. f. 332v Thinkyng to catche the praie thou thy selfe was taken, and thou wandring for thy better disport, missing the right way.
1625 tr. W. C. Schouten in S. Purchas Pilgrimes I. ii. 89 Wee hoysed Anchor, and draue with the streame, and a South wind before the Village, in the right roade of Sierra Liona, where we anchored at eight fathome.
1699 D. Jones Compl. Hist. Europe 1676–99 (ed. 2) 452 A considerable Body of Turks, marching in order of Battle upon the right Road to Peter-Waradin.
1724 J. Henley et al. tr. Pliny the Younger Epist. & Panegyrick I. v. viii. 234 Nothing is more commendable, than to tread in the Footsteps of those who have gone before us, provided they have taken the right Road.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones IV. xii. xi. 273 It is certain they were no more in the right Road to Coventry, than the fraudulent, griping, cruel, canting Miser is in the right Road to Heaven. View more context for this quotation
1789 J. Bentham Introd. Princ. Morals & Legisl. i. 6 In a right track and in a wrong one, the rarest of all human qualities is consistency.
1814 D. H. O'Brien Narr. Captiv. & Escape 95 Happening to hit the right road, I resolved to follow it for some time.
1835 T. B. Macaulay Sir James Mackintosh in Ess. (1897) 324 Were their faces set in the right or in the wrong direction?
1861 H. T. Buckle Hist. Civilization Eng. II. i. 85 The change was slight, but it was in the right direction.
1914 E. P. Stewart Lett. Woman Homesteader xv. 148 We drove in the right direction because we could hear the horn.
1960 Mind 69 419 I have wished I was reading one of those Oxbridgean philosophers who, had they taken the right turning early in life, would long ago have brought the filing and card-indexing systems of the British Civil Service up to a new peak of perfection.
2002 F. Broughton & B. Brewster How to DJ (Properly) 194 There's no way you can learn beat-juggling from a book. But these exercises should get you moving in the right direction.
7.
a.
(a) Fitting, appropriate, proper; according to what is most suitable for a particular occasion or purpose; (also) exactly meeting the requirements of a particular situation.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > [adjective]
goodeOE
rightOE
queemlOE
belonglOE
behovingc1175
limplyc1200
tidefula1300
avenantc1300
mackc1330
worthy1340
hemea1350
convenientc1374
seemlya1375
shapelyc1374
ablea1382
cordant1382
meetc1385
accordable1386
accordinga1387
appurtenantc1386
pertinentc1390
accordanta1393
likea1393
setea1400
throa1400
agreeablec1425
habilec1425
suitly1426
competentc1430
suiting1431
fitc1440
proportionablec1443
justc1450
congruent?a1475
cordinga1475
congruec1475
afferant1480
belonging1483
cordable1485
hovable1508
attainanta1513
accommodate1525
agreeing1533
respondent1533
opportunate?1541
appropriate1544
commode1549
familiar1553
apt1563
pliant1565
liable1570
sortly1570
competible1586
sortable1586
fitty1589
accommodable1592
congruable1603
affining1606
feated1606
suity1607
reputable1611
suited1613
idoneousa1615
matchable1614
suitablea1616
congruous1631
fitten1642
responsal1647
appropriated1651
adapt1658
mack-like1672
squared1698
homogeneous1708
applicable1711
unforeign1718
fitted1736
congenial1738
assorted1790
accommodatable1874
OK1925
the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > [adjective] > fitting or proper
methelyeOE
ylikeeOE
fairOE
i-meteOE
rightOE
becomelyc1175
proper?c1225
featc1325
conablea1340
rightful1340
worthyc1350
pursuanda1375
covenable1382
dignec1385
convenablec1386
thriftyc1386
sittingc1390
comenablea1400
gainlya1400
meeta1400
wortha1400
convenientc1400
meetlya1425
suinga1425
fitc1440
tallc1440
worthyc1450
good1477
dueful?a1527
beseeminga1530
fitting1535
straighta1538
decent1539
answerable1542
becoming1565
condecent1575
becomed1599
respective1605
befittinga1612
comely1617
decorous1664
shape-like1672
beseemly1737
farrantly?1748
fitly1840
in order1850
OE Wulfstan Canons of Edgar (Corpus Cambr.) (1972) xlv. 10 We lærað þæt man on rihtne timan tida ringe, and preosta gehwilc ðonne his tidsang..gesece.
OE tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (Cambr. Univ. Libr.) v. xix. 468 Þæt hi Eastran heoldan & wurðedon butan heora rihtre tide.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 4732 Ðe fifte mahht iss..Þatt tu beo swinncfull..Inn alle gode dedess. Aȝȝ att rihht time.
a1225 (?OE) MS Lamb. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 13 (MED) Gif ȝe mine bibode healded, þenne sende ic eou rihte widerunge, and ic eou wille ȝeuan wela and westme inoȝe.
a1325 (c1280) Southern Passion (Pepys 2344) (1927) l. 253 (MED) Oþere men..shulleþ to him þat ffrut ȝeolde whanne þe riȝte tyme is.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) i. 33 (MED) Ther may nomen finde The rihte salve of such a Sor.
a1400 (?a1350) Seege Troye (Egerton) (1927) l. 397 (MED) It is no ryȝt [a1425 Linc. Inn vnriȝt, c1450 Arms noȝt ryȝt] A kinges douȝter to serue a knyȝt.
?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 1v The riȝt manere of appliyng.
a1522 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid (1957) iii. vi. 75 Thar..Is the richt place and sted for ȝour cite.
1584 R. Wilson Three Ladies of London ii. sig. A iii Huffe once alofte, and if I may hit in the right vayne.
a1627 A. Craig Pilgr. & Heremite in Poet. Wks. (1873) 5 And the red morning rose from the right airt.
1689 P. Bellon Court Secret ii. 175 She had not the right Person by the hand.
a1720 W. Sewel Hist. Quakers (1795) I. i. 1 Thou, O Lord, alone knowest the right times and seasons to open the eyes of the people.
1795 M. Edgeworth Lett. for Lit. Ladies 43 If the world be not educated exactly at the right time to judge her perfections,..you will have wasted your labour.
1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas I. i. xii. 107 God knows if his heart lay in the right place.
1883 H. W. V. Stuart Egypt 7 Her Commander's knack of being in the right place at the right time, and doing the right thing.
1913 D. H. Lawrence Sons & Lovers vii. 152 She felt the accuracy with which he caught her, exactly at the right moment.
1960 S. Unwin Truth about Publisher App. xxiii. 432 Many had some but not all of the essential qualifications, and it seemed wiser to wait for the right man.
2004 E. Makis Eat, drink & be Married 164 Panicos smiles like an affable clown, glances intermittently at Maria, makes all the right noises.
(b) Perfectly suited for. Cf. sense A. 7c.
ΚΠ
1897 Ld. Roberts 41 Years in India xxxi. 250 A slowness to recognize that institutions which are perfectly suitable and right for us may be quite unsuited, if not injurious, to other races.
1911 Motor Boating Jan. 98/1 (advt.) Size just right for your tool roll. Price just right for your bill roll.
1916 Boys' Life Nov. 36/1 (advt.) The size of the picture is 1¼ by 1¾ inches—a proportion which is just right for portraits, landscapes and street scenes.
1940 Life 1 Apr. 5/1 (advt. caption) There are 3 distinctive blends of A&P Coffee to suit each individual taste... One of them is just right for you.
1947 T. Pember Needle's Eye iii. ii. 293 ‘When we saw each other again, it just was so.’ ‘It had to be so, you're right for each other’, she agreed tonelessly.
1955 D. Eden Darling Clementine iv. 38 Perhaps he'll marry Prissie. She would be just right for him.
2007 R. Kraut What is Good & Why xxi. 87 ‘That sweater is right for you’ means that you are the sort of person on whom the sweater looks good.
b. Of people and places: regarded with approval; socially acceptable; potentially carrying influence; fashionable or important.the right sort: see sort n.2 11b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > quality of being approvable or acceptable > [adjective]
acceptablea1382
acceptedc1384
admittable?1406
approvablec1449
eligiblea1500
plausible1541
admissable1587
avowable1602
applausive1605
admissible1611
vendible1642
plaudablea1650
unexceptionable1664
favourable1666
unobnoxious1678
unexceptioned1704
right1748
unregrettable1748
undisgusting1755
unexceptional1775
all right1868
unarraignable1886
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa III. lxii. 298 I long for your account of the women you are with. If they are not right people, you'll find them out in one breakfasting.
1760 G. A. Stevens Hist. Tom Fool II. xix. 165 He's a special good Customer, and a Power of the right Sort come after him.
1800 M. A. Hanway Andrew Stuart I. vii. 122 Take my word, Cicely, she's of the right sort, if I may judge by the roll of her twinklers, and her painted face.
1842 C. G. F. Gore Fascination 15 You are one of the right sort.
1883 Daily News 11 Sept. 3/1 A little knot of those formerly called emphatically ‘the right sort’.
1908 E. M. Forster Room with View x. 174 I trust they are the right sort of person.
1931 S. Jameson Richer Dust xv. 445 She went regularly to their houses, and with them to the right restaurants.
1956 I. Bromige Enchanted Garden i. iii. 28 The importance of knowing the right people, of being seen with the right people.
1963 ‘L. Peters’ Tarakian vii. 98 Firth..had been to one of the ‘right’ schools, and one of the ‘right’ universities, and..belonged to one or two of the ‘right’ clubs.
1990 P. Pope Rich pass By (BNC) 112 Maud liked to be associated with the right people and be seen in the right places.
c. Mr. Right: see Mr n. 1c. Miss Right: see Miss Right n. at miss n.2 Compounds. Cf. sense A. 7a(b).
d. Criminals' slang. Reliable, trustworthy; friendly or sympathetic to criminals. Frequently in right guy. Cf. wrong adj. 4c.See also right croaker n. at Compounds 2.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > faithfulness or trustworthiness > [adjective]
soothfastc825
truefastOE
i-treowec1000
unfakenOE
trueOE
sickerc1100
trigc1175
strustya1250
steel to the (very) backa1300
true as steela1300
certainc1325
well-provedc1325
surec1330
traistc1330
tristc1330
trustya1350
faithfula1382
veryc1385
sada1387
discreet1387
trust1389
trothfulc1390
tristya1400
proveda1425
good-heartedc1425
well-trusted?a1439
tristfulc1440
authorizablea1475
faithworthy?1526
tentik1534
fidele1539
truthfulc1550
suresby1553
responsible1558
trestc1560
reliable1569
cocksurea1575
sound1581
trustful1582
truepenny1589
true (also good, sure) as touch1590
probable1596
confident1605
trustable1606
axiopistical1611
loyala1616
reposeful1627
confiding1645
fiducial1647
laudable1664
safe1667
accountable1683
serious1693
sponsible1721
dependable1730
unfailing1798
truthya1802
trustworthy1829
all right1841
stand-up1841
falsehood-free1850
right1856
proven1872
bankable1891
secure1954
1856 in G. L. Chesterton Revelations of Prison Life I. ix. 137 They [sc. the swell mobsmen] frequent those public-houses the landlords of which they know to be what they term right (i.e. a thief's friend).
1886 A. Pinkerton Thirty Years a Detective 324 You will find him game, a good workman an a ded rite man.
1906 H. Green At Actors' Boarding House 61 Sammy explained that..the remainder had dwindled rapidly, what with treating the gang and being a right guy generally.
1926 J. Black You can't Win x. 131 We know you are ‘right’... That's why you are declared ‘in and in’ with the works.
1934 Flynn's 17 Feb. He was known throughout the underworld as a ‘right copper’, meaning a copper who couldn't be fixed and a copper who never accepted a nickel from a crook.
1953 W. S. Burroughs Junkie vii. 71 When I told Gains what the hotel clerk said to me and how lucky we were he happened to be a right guy, he said, ‘We've got to pack in. We can't last with this crowd.’
1998 D. J. Champion Dict. Amer. Criminal Justice 108 Right guy, an inmate code referring to any inmate who honors the prisoners' social codes.
8.
a. Of the mind or mental faculties: normal, natural, sound; such that one can think and act competently. Chiefly in to be in one's right mind (also senses, wits, etc.) (frequently in negative contexts).Recorded earliest (in Old English) in compounds of the uninflected adjective stem.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > mental health > [adjective] > of the mind
rightOE
wholeOE
good1404
sound1531
static1652
spacked1673
unobscured1748
valid1854
OE Old Eng. Martyrol. (Julius) 21 Oct. 237 Þa sona swa heo ineode, þa wæs heo of hyre ryhtgewitte.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 3838 Deofell..wile..ræfenn himm hiss rihhte witt.
a1400 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 15th Cent. (1939) 218 (MED) Lorde almiȝt, blessed mote þu be..many..benefetys þat þu haste yeuene to me..riȝt wittys and riȝt lemys.
1428 in F. J. Furnivall Fifty Earliest Eng. Wills (1882) 80 (MED) I, Robert Schapman, in Rithe mynde, make my testement in this forme.
1487 in J. Raine Testamenta Eboracensia (1869) IV. 23 I, beyng in my right witte and mynde.., hole and not seke.
c1510 Gesta Romanorum (de Worde) L iij Fader, quod he, it semeth yt thou arte out of thy ryght minde.
a1560 Remembrance Passion in J. A. W. Bennett Devotional Pieces (1955) 228 Him ȝat hes grantit the thy richt wittis, and all ȝe partis of ȝi body.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry V (1623) iv. vii. 45 So also Harry Monmouth being in his right wittes, and his good iudgements, turn'd away the fat Knight. View more context for this quotation
1692 R. L'Estrange Fables lxviii. 67 What Man in his Right Senses..would make himself a Slave for Superfluities!
1735 G. Berkeley Def. Free-thinking in Math. §8, in Wks. (1871) III. 306 By such as are in their right mind.
1766 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. II. xix. 291 It hath been said, that a non compos himself, though he be afterwards brought to a right mind, shall not be permitted to allege his own insanity in order to avoid such grant.
1818 P. B. Shelley Julian & Maddalo Pref. He was evidently a very cultivated and amiable person when in his right senses.
1871 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues I. 45 He is not in his right mind, said Ctesippus; he is talking nonsense, and is stark mad.
1881 S. Evans Evans's Leicestershire Words (new ed.) Spacked, or Spact, ‘Not spact’ is not quite in his right wits.
1928 D. H. Lawrence Lady Chatterley's Lover xix. 358 You're not normal, you're not in your right senses. You're one of those half-insane, perverted women who must run after depravity.
1960 Blackwood's Mag. July 71 No fielder in his right mind attempts a running catch.
2005 C. Cleave Incendiary 167 You're not in your right mind.—No, said Petra. But the entire planet isn't in its right mind since May day so for pity's sake let's just roll with it.
b. Of a person: mentally healthy; sane; competent to think and act. Chiefly in negative contexts, esp. (colloquial) in not right in one's (also the) head In early use with wit(s).
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > mental health > [adjective]
in (one's right) witc1000
wittyc1000
wisec1290
well-tempered1340
reasonablec1400
safe1402
perfectc1440
well in (also of) one's witsa1450
right in one's geara1500
well-advised1532
sensed1549
unmad1570
well-advised1585
rational1598
solid1606
in one's (right) senses1613
formala1616
of (in) disposing mind or memory1628
compos mentis1631
righta1638
well-hinged1649
well-balanced1652
spacked1673
clear-headed1709
sane1721
unfantastic1794
unmaddened1797
pas si bête1840
lucid1843
unfantastical1862
clothed and in one's right mind1873
right-minded1876
ungiddy1904
clear1950
a1638 R. Brownlow Rep. Diverse Cases: 2nd Pt. (1651) 260 If a man be not right in his Wits, the King is to have the Protection and Government of him.
1644 A. Petrie Chiliasto-mastix 5 Who being richt in his witt [etc.].
1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ iii. ii. §6 The World was not generated as Plants or Animals are; and who ever right in his wits asserted that it was?
1680 J. Lauder Decisions (1759) I. 85 He was of a weak judgment, and not very right.
1743 tr. Horace Satires, Epist. & Art Poetry 187 When you strangle your Wife, and poison your Mother, are you right in the Head?
1790 Scotsman 22 Jan. 8 He was conseedered no that richt in the heed.
1808 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. at Richt He's quite richt now, he has come to his senses: No richt, insane.
1854 A. E. Baker Gloss. Northants. Words II. 174 He's not right in his head.
1896 J. Hocking Mist on Moors ii We've got an old aunt of mine in the carriage who isn't exactly right.
1915 D. J. Beattie Oor Gate-en' 138 The hale gate-en' is wonderin', If yer mither's verra richt.
1959 A. Wesker Roots 25 Then you're not right in the head then.
1996 S. Deane Reading in Dark (1997) iii. 81 Something had happened when he was a young man and he had never been right since.
2000 M. Kneale Eng. Passengers (2001) ii. 61 The stock-keepers in particular made no secret of the fact that I had, as they put it, ‘drawn the short straw’, talking of Mr Pierce as ‘a strange one’ and ‘not right in his head’.
c. Of a person: in good health and spirits; sound, well, comfortable; in good shape. Frequently in colloquial similes usually extended from another sense of right (see quot. 1889).In simple uses now chiefly Australian and New Zealand colloquial.For more fixed similes, as right as ninepence, rain, a trivet: see the specified noun. See also sense A. 10.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > [adjective] > of health: good > healthy
wholeeOE
isoundOE
i-sundfulc1000
ferec1175
soundc1175
fish-wholea1225
forthlyc1230
steadfasta1300
wella1300
safec1300
tidya1325
halec1330
quartc1330
well-faringc1330
well-tempered1340
well-disposeda1398
wealyc1400
furnished1473
mighty?a1475
quartful?c1475
good1527
wholesomea1533
crank1548
healthful1550
healthy1552
hearty1552
healthsome1563
well-affected?1563
disposed1575
as sound as a bell1576
firm1577
well-conditioned1580
sound1605
unvaletudinary1650
all right1652
valid1652
as sound as a (alsoany) roach1655
fair-like1663
hoddy1664
wanton1674
stout?1697
trig1704
well-hained1722
sprack1747
caller1754
sane1755
finely1763
bobbish1780
cleverly1784
right1787
smart1788
fine1791
eucratic1795
nobbling1825
as right as a trivet1835
first rate1841
in fine, good, high, etc., feather1844
gay1855
sprackish1882
game ball1905
abled1946
well-toned1952
a hundred per cent1960
oke1960
1787 W. Taylor Scots Poems 93 He was sae dung, That Doctors cou'd na put him right.
1837 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers xlix. 539 ‘I hope you are well, Sir.’ ‘Right as a trivet,’ replied Bob Sawyer.
1849 Cottager's Monthly Visitor July 225 Grandmother will be right enough when she has had a letter from you.
1864 Bell's Life in Sydney 28 May 3/2 So people imagined, and well they might. That, like Croesus of old, our hero was ‘right’ In the matter of ‘tin’; for money still sends, To those who possess it, a number of friends.
1866 R. Hallam Wadsley Jack xviii. 97 I wor reight 'boon a bit.
1873 J. O. Brookfield Not Heroine II. 194 ‘Are you quite well enough?’ her mother asked, ‘you really don't look right yet.’
1889 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Robbery under Arms xx We both felt as right as the bank.
1922 A. Wright Colt from Country 114 But I'm right mate. I ain't shikkered, only on the verge, that's all. Another pint, as you say, and it'd be me f'r th' dead-house.
1935 E. Bowen House in Paris ii. viii. 171 Mrs Michaelis went on being puzzled rather than sad; she was as right as ever in all that she said and did, but her eyes did not meet yours with the old confidence.
1963 A. Lubbock Austral. Roundabout 48 She poked her head out and cried: ‘Are yer right?’ I answered that I was far from right.
1985 Bulletin (Sydney) 16 July 61/3 Cedric Felspar..was lost in thought in..David Jones..when a salesgirl crept upon him from behind and whined: ‘You right?’
2001 C. Coughlan in M. Hickey Irish Days (2004) 175 I had three ribs broke and one fractured... They plastered me up and after a week I was right as paint.
9. Properly pertaining or attached to a person or thing; rightful. Frequently in right name.Recorded earliest (in Old English) in compounds of the uninflected adjective stem.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > owning > [adjective] > belonging > properly
rightOE
authentic1598
OE Seven Sleepers (Julius) (1994) 49 Ic wolde georne æt ðe gewitan þissere byrig rihtnaman.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) 14783 Þa at-eoden him ure Drihte and nemnede him his rihte nome.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 2539 Pharao kinges rigte name Nephres [MS Vephres].
c1400 (a1376) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Trin. Cambr. R.3.14) (1960) A. v. l. 140 (MED) Rose þe regratour was hire riȝte name.
a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1882) iv. l. 308 O soule..Fle forth out of myn herte..Thi righte place is now no lengere here.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin 675 (MED) His doughter was delyuered of a sone that..was cleped by his right name Estor.
1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 23 Thow..gaif thy self to plaige, Me Catiue to conuoy To my rycht heritage.
1572 (a1500) Taill of Rauf Coilȝear (1882) 241 Wymond of the Wardrop is my richt Name.
1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet v. ii. 94 Put your bonnet to his right vse, tis for the head. View more context for this quotation
1612 B. Jonson Alchemist iv. v. sig. K2 Error? Guilt, guilt, my Sonne. Giue it the right Name . View more context for this quotation
1682 J. Bunyan Holy War 197 The Court requireth that if there be any..that can give information..of the original and right name of the prisoner, they would come forth. View more context for this quotation
1733 G. Berkeley Theory of Vision §xvi. 16 To call Things by their right Names.
1796 T. Morton Way to get Married i. i. 7 The world's at an end—all is sophisticated!—nothing bears even its right name—whoredom is gallantry.
1848 C. Dickens Dombey & Son xlix. 493 She was, indeed, a homeless wandering fugitive; but, richer to him so, than in all the wealth and pride of her right station.
1896 A. R. White Youth's Educator xi. 129 Call things by right names. Do not say limb for leg, or retire for go to bed.
1934 ‘H. MacDiarmid’ Stony Limits 115 In his right place at last, Making up for his past.
1973 R. Travers Murder in Blue Mountains i. 3 It was easy to recall how the gallant Starlight, dying of his wounds, refused to give his right name, only to be recognised as a fellow aristocrat by the young police trooper.
1990 J. Byrne Your Cheatin' Heart iv. 119/2 An' chuck referrin' to her as ‘the beanpole’, her right name's Cissie.
10. That is in a satisfactory, sound, or normal state or condition; in good order; all right: see as main entry. to put (also get, etc.) something right: to restore something to its proper condition or to good working order. to make it right: to square or settle matters with someone.Now frequently colloquial in various fixed similes (as right as ninepence, rain, a trivet, etc.): see the specified noun; as right as my leg (originally extended from sense A. 1a): see leg n. 1a. See also sense A. 8c.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being satisfactory > [adjective]
wellOE
sufferablea1340
worthy1340
sufficient1489
paregala1500
competent1535
something like?1556
right1567
sweet1577
fairish1611
all right1652
fair1656
comfortable1658
decent1711
respectable1750
unrepulsive1787
decentisha1814
fair-to-middling1822
fine1828
christena1838
OK1839
tidy1844
not (or none) so dusty?1856
sweet1898
oke1928
okey-doke1934
okey-dokey1936
tickety-boo1939
cool1951
aight1993
1567 G. Turberville Epitaphes, Epigrams f. 103 There is not that so ill Bylowe the Lampe of Phoebus light, But man may better if he will Applie his wit to make it right.
1606 R. Chambers tr. P. Numan Miracles lately Wrought xv. 291 The poor patient..hauing his left leg drawn backward, and very crooked, and so stiff, that he thought none was able by any force to make it right again.
a1658 J. Durham Blessedness of Death (1713) 17 O! its a right vessel that cannot have lech.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 328 I..desir'd him to..keep all right in the Ship.
1749 W. Hawkins Henry & Rosamond iv. ii. 54 A little Whining will set Matters right.
1816 W. Scott Antiquary III. i. 7 Right, Caxon, right as a glove.
1841 T. J. Dibdin in C. Dibdin Songs Addenda 242 It's a snug little island! A right little, tight little island!
1889 A. E. Haigh Attic Theatre iv. 190 Affairs had reached such a complicated condition that only divine interference could put them right again.
1902 D. Salomons in A. C. Harmsworth et al. Motors & Motor-driving (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) vi. 95 On the road also, if a clutch does not act, due to slip, a small dose of water puts matters right at once if the mechanical portions are in order.
1913 D. H. Lawrence Sons & Lovers xi. 279 If they could get things right, they could marry.
1965 H. Brodkey in New Yorker 4 Sept. 26/1 Henry, with that sensation of clumsiness that came to him whenever she asked him to help with one of her small buttons, tried to put things right.
1990 B. Turner And Policeman Smiled (1991) (BNC) 56 One boy..had brought a whole salami all the way from Vienna only to have it thrown away..‘because it didn't smell right’.
2001 J. Le Fanu They don't know what's Wrong p. ii We expect the doctor to know what is amiss (at times to the point of omniscience) and how to put it right.
11. Of a person: judging, thinking, or acting in accordance with truth or the facts of the case; correct in opinion, judgement, or procedure. Frequently followed by infinitive, that-clause, or in and gerund.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > freedom from error, correctness > [adjective] > correct in procedure, operation, etc. > in judgement
right1600
nice-judging1735
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 v. ii. 101 You are right Iustice, and you weigh this well. View more context for this quotation
1605 E. Sandys Relation State of Relig. sig. T That negative and contradictorie humour, of thinking they are then rightest when they are vnlikest the Papacy.
1655 R. Baxter Quakers Catech. Pref. sig. C2v I would ask you whether in all these great Points you think the Papists are righter then the Reformed Churches?
1682 J. Bunyan Holy War 2 Some are right, and some are wrong. View more context for this quotation
1716 T. Hearne Remarks & Coll. (1901) V. 320 He observes that Hollenshede is righter than Parker.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. xvii. 179 ‘You are right, my boy,’ cried his mother. ‘Old England is the only place in the world for husbands to get wives.’
1817 J. Keats Let. in Wks. (1889) III. 95 I think he is right, and yet I think Hazlitt is right, and yet I think Wordsworth is rightest.
1834 F. Marryat Jacob Faithful II. vii. 158 Whether Captain Turnbull or I were right, remains to be proved in the sequel.
1890 Law Times Rep. 63 735/1 I think that the learned judge was right in applying that rule, in the present case.
1910 E. M. Forster Howards End xviii. 156 ‘Helen may be right.’ ‘Of course she's right,’ said Helen.
1937 F. S. Fitzgerald Let. 8 Oct. (1964) 19 You are right that romantic things really happen in roachy kitchens and back yards.
1954 I. Murdoch Under Net xiii. 183 Assuming that you're right in thinking that we'd know it by now if they had.
1981 M. Leitch Silver's City iv. 28 He had been right to enlist them, felt pleased at his own judgement.
2004 A. Levy Small Island xxvii. 297 So, I am right. But no problem. You know why? Because you are a skilful cheat, Mr Bligh.
III. Senses relating to legitimacy or authenticity.
12. Rightful, legitimate, lawful. Now archaic and historical.right heir: see heir n. Compounds 2.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal right > [adjective]
righteOE
kindc1300
rightfulc1330
truec1384
righteous1391
lawfula1400
just?1435
legitimec1450
legitimatea1460
verya1466
justc1540
reable1581
sib1701
competent1765
eOE tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (Tanner) iv. xxvii. 360 Ðæt rice þa sum fæc tide tweonde cyningas & fremde forluron.., oþðæt heora riht cyning Wihtred..wæs in rice gestrongad.
lOE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) anno 1100 Se cyng genam Mahalde him to wife, Malcolmes cynges dohter of Scotlande..& of þan rihtan Ænglalandes kynekynne.
c1225 (?OE) Soul's Addr. to Body (Worcester) (Fragm. G) l. 12 Oþre birefedest rihtes istreones, gæderedest to [gærsu]me.
c1300 St. Wolston (Laud) l. 61 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 72 Harold was þo riȝhtest eyr... Þe croune he bar of Enguelonde.
c1400 (?a1387) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Huntington HM 137) (1873) C. xvii. 129 (MED) Seilde is þe poure..riche bote of hus ryght [v.r. riȝtful] heritage.
1433 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. July 1433 §33. m. 9 John late duc of Norfolk, fader unto your said warde, as right enheriter.
a1500 (a1400) Sir Eglamour (Cambr.) (1844) 27 (MED) The erle had never chylde but oon, That was a maydyn as whyte as fome, That hys ryght heyre schulde bee.
c1550 T. Becon Flour of Godly Praiers Pref. sig. A.iiiiv They slewe theyr ryghte kynge, and sette vppe .iii. wrong Kynges.
1594 (a1555) D. Lindsay Hist. Squyer Meldrum l. 75, in Wks. (1931) I. 148 To Cleische..richt Heritour.
1625 E. Davies Warning to Dragon 32 The Brittish Islands, the right Inheritance of King Iames the first.
1660 F. Brooke tr. V. Le Blanc World Surveyed 3 Twenty Souldiers..took good order to see the commodities dryed, and restored to the right owners.
1682 J. Scarlett Stile of Exchanges 55 By this Endorsement, he to whom the Bill is sent, is the true and right Possessor of it, and needs no further Assignation, Transport, or any other Title or Right.
1738 J. Swift Compl. Coll. Genteel Conversat. 62 He has a great Estate, but only the Right Owner keeps him out of it.
1798 T. Morton Secrets Worth Knowing v. iii. 65 Everything to its right owner... I don't wish to keep your, or any man's property.
1860 W. Collins Woman in White (new ed.) III. xi. 193 The effect of that silence must have been to keep the right heir from the estates.
1874 A. Trollope Lady Anna I. xii. 153 He finds that you,—the right owner,—are to have the fortune of which he has vainly endeavoured to defraud you!
1917 R. D. Bowers Treat. Law Conversion iv. 88 It would be repugnant to every principle of honesty to say that after the right owner has demanded the goods of the bailee, he shall not be permitted in any action brought against him by the bailor of the goods, to defend against his claims.
2001 J. Biancalana Fee Tail & Common Recovery in Medieval Eng. ii. 133 When the issue of the donee in tail enters, he does so as the donee's right heir.
13.
a. Of a person: justly entitled to a name or title; having the true character of; true, real, veritable.Weakened in later use (sometimes colloquial and approaching sense A. 13e).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > foundation in fact, validity > [adjective] > accurately so named > of persons, the deity
rightOE
soothfasta1250
veryc1250
veryc1450
veritable1649
OE Ælfric Catholic Homilies: 1st Ser. (Royal) (1997) xvii. 313 Se hyra, se ðe nys riht hyrde,..he forlæt þa sceap.
a1225 (c1200) Vices & Virtues (1888) 131 (MED) Criste..is riht spus ta alchere gode saule.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 14022 (MED) If þis man war right prophet, þis womman wepand on his fete He aght to wijt al quat sco were.
?c1480 E. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 639 She is ryght systyre of fader and modyre to Herry Ynglows.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) John i. f. cxxv Beholde a right hisrahelite, in whom is no gyle.
1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 84 A righte gentleman is sooner seene by the tryall of his vertue than blasing of his armes.
1631 B. Jonson Bartholmew Fayre i. iii. 6 in Wks. II She'll ha' conuey'd her state, safe enough from thee, an' she be a right widdow.
1682 A. Behn City-heiress ii. ii. 18 Trick and betawder your self up like a right City-Lady, rich but ill-fashion'd.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 144. ⁋7 If you describe a right Woman in a laudable Sense, she should have gentle Softness, tender Fear.
1726 J. Swift Gulliver II. iv. iii. 38 The Houyhnhnms..could hardly believe me to be a right Yahoo, because my Body had a different Covering from others of my Kind.
1813 W. Scott Rokeby i. 17 Right English all, they rushed to blows.
1885 G. Allen in Dict. National Biogr. II. 215 To mark him [sc. Athelstan] out, in spite of his illegitimacy, as a right ætheling.
1906 N. Munro in Blackwood's Mag. Dec. 802/1 A right smart Alick in short trunks.
1960 C. Day Lewis Buried Day ii. 38 Ah, you're a right singer, Master Cecil.
1990 B. Roche Poor Beast in Rain i. i. 78 Molly. I think my dancin' days are done boy. Georgie. That's not what I heard then. Joe there was tellin' me that you were a right auld court in your heyday.
b. Of a non-material thing: that has the true character of; true, real, genuine.Weakened in later use (sometimes colloquial and approaching sense A. 13e).
ΚΠ
eOE tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (Tanner) ii. ii. 98 Ond he ða ongon..heo monian & læran, þæt heo rihte sibbe & lufan him betweonum hæfden.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 9868 Þa staness þatt he spacc þær off Þeȝȝ wærenn rihhte staness.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 28 (MED) Þis zenne is zuo perilous þet onneaþe me may come to riȝte uorþenchinge.
a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) l. 4150 (MED) Þai sal turne þe Iewery Until right cristendom halely.
1528 W. Tyndale Obed. Christen Man Pref. f. vijv Prosperite is a right curse and a thinge that God geveth vnto his enymies.
1592 Countess of Pembroke tr. R. Garnier Antonius iv. sig. Mv Is not this folie right?
1605 W. Camden Remaines ii. 3 A right woman and Ladylike disdaine may be obserued in the same Author.
1662 in R. Pitcairn Criminal Trials Scotl. (1833) III. 606 It could litt..onlie blak according to the culor of the Divell in quhoes nam we took away the strenth of the rycht culouris that wes in the fatt.
1728 C. Cibber Vanbrugh's Provok'd Husband i. i. 15 Man. A right English Academy for younger Children! J. Mood. Anon, Sir! (Not understanding him.)
1771 J. Wesley Jrnl. 27 Aug. (1827) II. 429 We crept through a right Welsh road.
1817 W. Scott Let. 31 Jan. (1933) IV. 383 Some of the Scotch Whigs of the right old fanatical leaven have waxd wroth with Jedediah.
1834 A. Cunningham Wks. R. Burns VII. 170 The words instanced against him, ‘cootie’ and ‘heugh,’ are right old Scottish.
1933 ‘G. Ingram’ ‘Stir’ v. 65 ‘Spin a right fanny to the “Croaker”,’ advised Smith.
1958 Encounter May 12/2 There was a right barney at the other end of the shop.
1996 Observer 31 Mar. (Sports section) 5/7 Going to Becher's second time round, I thought I had a right chance of winning.
c. Of a material, substance, or fabric: genuine; not counterfeit or spurious. Also used of an individual piece of such a material, etc. Now chiefly of a work of art or other collectable item: genuine, authentic; correctly attributed to an artist or maker. Cf. wrong adj. 5d.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > foundation in fact, validity > [adjective] > in its natural state, unsophisticated
purec1300
right1466
sincere1557
in grain?1577
genuine1607
unsophisticate1607
honesta1616
undistracted1656
unsophisticated1664
inartful1714
unabsurd1744
in the raw1785
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > foundation in fact, validity > [adjective] > genuine, real
soothc888
soothlyc888
soothfastc1175
germanec1384
truea1398
sickera1400
upright?a1500
uncounterfeita1542
righteous1543
legitimate1551
truepennya1556
arrant1570
uncounterfeited1571
real1573
current1578
genuinal1599
unforged1610
unpretended1611
legitime1614
unabusinga1628
Lubish1632
genuine1639
undissembled1651
undissimulate1652
ingenuine1661
infallacious1677
real live1684
unfalsified1688
unmistaken1694
pukka1776
undissimulated1776
unassumed1818
uncynical1824
Simon Pure1834
sure-enough1837
unsimulated1840
straight-out1848
true blue1852
veritable1862
really (and) truly1864
authentic1868
true-metal1868
kosher1896
twenty-four carat1900
honest to goodness1905
echt1916
dinky-di1918
McCoy1928
twenty-two carat1962
right1969
1466 in Grose's Antiquarian Repertory (1775) I. 12 To Paye for his Ransom thre yardes of Right Sattin to the Taker.
1529 T. More Dialogue Heresyes iii, in Wks. 237/1 Some man..canne perceyue by hys owne eye whether a stone bee righte or counterfet.
1582 Bible (Rheims) John xii. 3 Marie therfore tooke a pound of ointement of right spikenard.
1611 A. Lanyer Salue Deus Rex Iudæorum sig. e A right diamond can loose no whit of his beautie by the blacke soyle vnderneath it.
1681 N. Grew Musæum Regalis Societatis iii. iv. 282 Rough Diamonds..: a mark to know a right one by.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 134. ⁋2 By the Application of your Medicines, taken only with half an Ounce of right Virginia Tobacco.
1788 R. Burns Prose Wks. 40 If you add a tankard of brown stout, and superadd a magnum of right Oporto.
1821 W. Scott Pirate III. iv. 80 I will bestow some thought on the matter, with the help of a right pipe of Trinidado.
1869 J. Ruskin Queen of Air i. §32 Whenever you draw a pure, long, full breath of right heaven, you take Athena into your heart, through your blood.
1903 Pall Mall Mag. May 5 Oh, London Town's a fine town, and London sights are rare, And London ale is right ale, and brisk's the London air.
1969 C. Irving Fake! xiv. 173 The thing I dislike most is being called in to tell if a painting is right or wrong.
1986 Sunday Times 7 Sept. 1/4 If a painting is not great, but ‘right’, it could cost £700,000 to £1m. If it is ‘wrong’, it could be just £70,000 to £100,000.
2007 Collect It! Jan. 85/1 When you've examined and held a lot of them, you get a feel for the genuine article and know almost at once if a piece is ‘right’.
d. Botany. Rightly named; true, genuine. Frequently contrasted with false. Now historical and rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > variety or species > [adjective] > true or false form of
right1548
false1578
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > foundation in fact, validity > [adjective] > accurately so named > of plant
right1548
1548 W. Turner Names of Herbes sig. C.vijv Dictamnus maye be named in englishe righte Dittany, for some cal Lepidium also Dittany.
1548 W. Turner Names of Herbes sig. G.ij I neuer sawe the ryghte Melilote yet in England.
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball iv. lxi. 522 The right Artechoke hath great long broade leaues.
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Dictame blanc,..called also, bastard, or false Dittanie; and oft mistaken..for the right Dittanie.
1946 C. F. Leyel Compassionate Herbs (2008) i. 27 Other names: Dittany of Crete, Candia, Right Dittany.
e. colloquial (chiefly British and Irish English). As an intensifier (usually in derogatory and ironical contexts): complete, absolute, total, utter. Cf. right Charley at Charlie n. 6. a right one: a fool; an extremely stupid or awkward person.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > lack of understanding > stupid, foolish, or inadequate person > stupid person, dolt, blockhead > [noun]
asseOE
sotc1000
beastc1225
long-ear?a1300
stock1303
buzzard1377
mis-feelinga1382
dasarta1400
stonea1400
dasiberd14..
dottlec1400
doddypoll1401
dastardc1440
dotterel1440
dullardc1440
wantwit1449
jobardc1475
nollc1475
assheada1500
mulea1500
dull-pate15..
peak1509
dulbert?a1513
doddy-patec1525
noddypolla1529
hammer-head1532
dull-head?1534
capon1542
dolt1543
blockhead1549
cod's head1549
mome1550
grout-head1551
gander1553
skit-brains?1553
blocka1556
calfa1556
tomfool1565
dunce1567
druggard1569
cobble1570
dummel1570
Essex calf1573
jolthead1573
hardhead1576
beetle-head1577
dor-head1577
groutnoll1578
grosshead1580
thickskin1582
noddyship?1589
jobbernowl1592
beetle-brain1593
Dorbel1593
oatmeal-groat1594
loggerhead1595
block-pate1598
cittern-head1598
noddypoop1598
dorbellist1599
numps1599
dor1601
stump1602
ram-head1605
look-like-a-goose1606
ruff1606
clod1607
turf1607
asinego1609
clot-poll1609
doddiea1611
druggle1611
duncecomb1612
ox-head1613
clod-polla1616
dulman1615
jolterhead1620
bullhead1624
dunderwhelpa1625
dunderhead1630
macaroona1631
clod-patea1635
clota1637
dildo1638
clot-pate1640
stupid1640
clod-head1644
stub1644
simpletonian1652
bottle-head1654
Bœotiana1657
vappe1657
lackwit1668
cudden1673
plant-animal1673
dolt-head1679
cabbage head1682
put1688
a piece of wood1691
ouphe1694
dunderpate1697
numbskull1697
leather-head1699
nocky1699
Tom Cony1699
mopus1700
bluff-head1703
clod skull1707
dunny1709
dowf1722
stupe1722
gamphrel1729
gobbin?1746
duncehead1749
half-wit1755
thick-skull1755
jackass1756
woollen-head1756
numbhead1757
beef-head1775
granny1776
stupid-head1792
stunpolla1794
timber-head1794
wether heada1796
dummy1796
noghead1800
staumrel1802
muttonhead1803
num1807
dummkopf1809
tumphya1813
cod's head and shoulders1820
stoopid1823
thick-head1824
gype1825
stob1825
stookiea1828
woodenhead1831
ning-nong1832
log-head1834
fat-head1835
dunderheadism1836
turnip1837
mudhead1838
donkey1840
stupex1843
cabbage1844
morepork1845
lubber-head1847
slowpoke1847
stupiditarian1850
pudding-head1851
cod's head and shoulders1852
putty head1853
moke1855
mullet-head1855
pothead1855
mug1857
thick1857
boodle1862
meathead1863
missing link1863
half-baked1866
lunk1867
turnip-head1869
rummy1872
pumpkin-head1876
tattie1879
chump1883
dully1883
cretin1884
lunkhead1884
mopstick1886
dumbhead1887
peanut head1891
pie-face1891
doughbakea1895
butt-head1896
pinhead1896
cheesehead1900
nyamps1900
box head1902
bonehead1903
chickenhead1903
thickwit1904
cluck1906
boob1907
John1908
mooch1910
nitwit1910
dikkop1913
goop1914
goofus1916
rumdum1916
bone dome1917
moron1917
oik1917
jabroni1919
dumb-bell1920
knob1920
goon1921
dimwit1922
ivory dome1923
stone jug1923
dingleberry1924
gimp1924
bird brain1926
jughead1926
cloth-head1927
dumb1928
gazook1928
mouldwarp1928
ding-dong1929
stupido1929
mook1930
sparrow-brain1930
knobhead1931
dip1932
drip1932
epsilon1932
bohunkus1933
Nimrod1933
dumbass1934
zombie1936
pea-brain1938
knot-head1940
schlump1941
jarhead1942
Joe Soap1943
knuckle-head1944
nong1944
lame-brain1945
gobshite1946
rock-head1947
potato head1948
jerko1949
turkey1951
momo1953
poop-head1955
a right one1958
bam1959
nong-nong1959
dickhead1960
dumbo1960
Herbert1960
lamer1961
bampot1962
dipshit1963
bamstick1965
doofus1965
dick1966
pillock1967
zipperhead1967
dipstick1968
thickie1968
poephol1969
yo-yo1970
doof1971
cockhead1972
nully1973
thicko1976
wazzock1976
motorhead1979
mouth-breather1979
no-brainer1979
jerkwad1980
woodentop1981
dickwad1983
dough ball1983
dickweed1984
bawheid1985
numpty1985
jerkweed1988
dick-sucker1989
knob-end1989
Muppet1989
dingus1997
dicksack1999
eight ball-
the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > high or intense degree > [adjective] > very great or extreme > specifically of something bad or reprobated
woefula1400
mortalc1425
preciousc1475
fine1559
trim1569
gay1581
unconscionable1590
pocky1601
abominable1612
fearful1634
handsome1638
plaguey1694
dreadful1700
awfy1724
murrain1728
diabolical1750
deuced1782
dire1836
sinful1863
sodding1881
blooming1882
flaming1895
ruddy1896
abysmal1904
awful1916
hellishing1927
right1958
steaming1962
schwag1993
1958 F. Norman Bang to Rights 117 There was one geezer who was a right giggle.
1958 B. Behan Hostage 4 I've got a right one here, this time.
1962 L. Deighton Ipcress File xxx. 190 We'd been a couple of right ninnies. Followed all the way!
1967 G. Sims Last Best Friend xiii. 114 They said it was like Buck House but it was a right load of old schmutter! You see, everyone's an antique dealer today.
1968 B. Turner Sex Trap xiv. 131 ‘I got a right one today,’ she said. ‘Thought I'd had them all, you know, but this one wanted me to hold his John Thomas.’
1973 Observer 14 Jan. 1/4 ‘The Government did not know that there was no settlement in writing, and how could an order apply to something which did not exist,’ he said. ‘The Government made a right mess of it.’
1984 ‘J. Gash’ Gondola Scam (1985) ii. 21 A right lorryload of chiselers.
1991 K. Dayus Where there's Life (ed. 2) 76 You've got a right one theea mate.
2001 Top of Pops Mag. Sept. 77/3 When everything's rosy again, you will feel a right nana for being such a worry wart!
IV. Senses relating to direction and orientation.
14.
a. Designating that side of the human body which contains the hand which is favoured in use over the other (left) hand by the majority of humans, or which is to the east when a person is facing north; (also) designating the parts of the body, and clothing worn, on that side. Opposed to left. Cf. right n. 16a, right hand n. 2, 1b.Historically, lexicographers have struggled with the point of reference by which to define the relative terms left and right. The predominant early use of right in English relates to the hand or side of the body regarded as ‘stronger’ than the left, or ‘most convenient or dextrous’ (Webster 1828). Early hard-word dictionaries do not enter the terms. Bailey (1721) includes neither left or right in this sense, though he follows Johnson's definition in 1764. Johnson (1755) defines left and right in terms of each other, and his first quotation (from Sir Thomas Browne) adds to the confusion: ‘It is not with that certainty to be received, what is believed concerning the right and left hand, that men naturally make use of the right, and that the use of the other is a digression.’ In the second edition of his Dictionary (1755–6) Johnson provides additional quotations from Browne, referring to ‘a natural prepotency in the right’ (in humans) and to ‘the seat of the heart and the liver on the right-side’. Worcester (1846 and 1860) defines in terms of the side of the body, but the Century Dictionary (1889) prefers the more objective east/north orientation.Recorded earliest in right hand n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > positions or directions in body > [adjective] > specific
rightOE
lefta1200
lowera1400
furtherc1400
lateral?a1425
sinistera1500
upper1528
anterior?1541
inferior1563
superior1566
oblique1578
high1588
ascendant1611
prone1646
peripherial1653
internal1657
supine1661
peripherical1690
gawk1703
ascending1713
adducent1722
submental1722
adductory1752
subdorsal1783
syntropic18..
atlantal1803
mesiad1803
mesial1803
proximal1803
sternal1803
distal1808
peripheral1808
peripheric1818
ventripetal1819
submedial1825
anteriormostc1826
subvertebral1827
afferent1828
sinistral1828
rostral1834
interganglionic1835
submedian1836
mesian1837
haemal1839
supravaginal1844
neural1846
symmetrical1851
suprameatal1853
paraxial1861
posterial1866
hypaxial1873
postaxial1873
preaxial1873
transmedial1876
transmedian1876
mediad1878
horizontal1881
mesal1881
prosomatic1882
dextrad1883
paramedian1890
prorsal1890
ventro-dorsal1895
midsagittal1898
ventro-axial1902
ventro-posterior1903
ipsilateral1907
parasagittal1907
ventromedial1908
homolateral1910
suprasellar1912
supratemporal1975
OE tr. Gospel of Nicodemus (Cambr.) xv. §6. 191 Se hælend þa be þære ryht handa me genam and me utlædde to Arimathia.
c1225 Worcester Glosses to Old Eng. Homilies in Anglia (1928) 52 23 Swiðran : riht.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) 13995 Ich hæld to grunden þat mi riht ærm to-brac.
c1330 Lai le Freine in Smith Coll. Stud. Mod. Langs. (1929) 10 iii. 5 (MED) Sche..toke a ring of gold fin, & on hir riȝt arm it knitt.
c1350 Apocalypse St. John: A Version (Harl. 874) (1961) 74 (MED) He sette his riȝth foot on þe Cee & his lefte foot vpon þe erþe.
a1450 in Tulane Stud. in Eng. (1977) 22 22 Þe ryghte eye of þe egle y-bound in a lynnen cloþe..ȝiueþ grace and frendeship.
a1500 (?c1400) Song of Roland (1880) l. 102 Redely the right ere he pullid from the hed.
a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 37/1 Richarde..was..croke backed, his left shoulder much higher then his right.
1574 Acts Parl. Scotl. (1814) III. 87/1 Gif thay happin tobe convicted..[they are] tobe..burnt throw the girssill of the rycht eare.
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. xi. xxxvii. 343 The right kidney in all creatures is the bigger.
1677 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 12 1001 The right Testicle or Ovary was but small.
1702 G. Farquhar Inconstant iii. i. 32 The secret flew out of the right Pocket of his Coat.
1759 O. Goldsmith in Busy Body 13 Oct. 15 The pimple-nosed spirit, at the President's right elbow.
1797 Encycl. Brit. VIII. 457/2 The Virgin Mary crowned, with her Babe in her right arm.
1814 W. Scott Waverley III. iii*. 37 The Baron of Bradwardine, kneeling upon his right knee, proceeded to undo the latchet of the brogue. View more context for this quotation
1858 ‘G. Eliot’ Janet's Repentance xxiii, in Scenes Clerical Life II. 322 He fell out of the gig; the right leg is broken.
1897 R. M. Stuart In Simpkinsville 230 She heard Miss Euphemia wonderin' the other day how come the right shoulder of her black silk dress to wear out.
1913 W. Cather O Pioneers! iv. viii. 269 One ball had torn through her right lung.
1953 A. R. M. Lower Unconventional Voy. 33 The postmaster at Attawapiskat..was minus the toes on his right foot.
2006 J. W. Nichol Midnight Cab xxxv. 325 He swung towards the trunk again, and managed to hook his right leg over a low branch.
b. By extension: designating a thing or part of a thing that is situated on the right-hand side from the perspective of an observer.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > quality of having sides or being a side > [adjective] > situated at the side > right
right1489
dexter1562
right hand1587
dexterous1646
dextral1646
offward1710
right-sided1829
1489 W. Caxton tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Fayttes of Armes i. xxv. sig. Eviii Thou muste sette fyrst wyth the lefte corner of thy bataylle vpon the Ryght corner of thyn ennemyes.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. ccccxliii. f. cccxvi Sir Henry at the right corner, and the Chatellayne of Furnes at the lyft corner.
1611 Bible (King James) 2 Kings xi. 11 From the right corner of the Temple. View more context for this quotation
1694 C. Cotton tr. L. Pontis Mem. ii. i. 165 Between the middle and the right Column marcht all the Cannon.
1751 T. Smollett Peregrine Pickle II. xxxix. 4 The wind began to blow again from the right corner.
1781 Amer. War vi. 166 Col. Febiger's, and Meigs's regiments, with Major Hull's detachment, formed the right column.
1819 W. Scott Legend of Montrose xi, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. IV. 237 The right column of royalists was led by Glengary.
1850 R. Gordon-Cumming Five Years Hunter's Life S. Afr. II. xxiii. 143 When within seventy yards I sent my right ball through his shoulder.
1893 J. Rhoades Teresa 3 (stage direct.) In the right wall a large open, fireplace.
1937 Life 10 May 45/1 The altar reredos above is recent but the picture on the right wall of 14th Century Richard II is the oldest contemporary portrait of an English King.
1955 R. Smith Doyle's Lifetime in Hurling iv. 34 Harney roving down to the right corner angled a grand point.
2004 B. Greene Fabric of Cosmos (2005) iii. viii. 240 If you move off the right edge, you reappear on the left.
c. Mathematics. Designating an entity whose definition involves a pair of elements in a conventionally defined order, opposite to that designated as left.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > algebra > [adjective] > relating to expressions
interscendent1796
symmetrical1816
zeta-ic1840
associative1844
discriminantal1852
symmetric1853
discriminant1870
idempotent1870
interscendental1873
bilinear1886
non-trivial1901
left1926
right1930
1905 Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 6 203 So that 6× and the right-hand distributive law fail.]
1930 Amer. Math. Monthly 37 405 α has with respect to * a unique right-inverse.
1938 F. D. Murnaghan Theory Group Representations iv. 91 The right coset of H determined by s−1.
1972 A. G. Howson Handbk. Terms Algebra & Anal. v. 28 There is no universal convention regarding which set of cosets should be termed ‘right’ and which ‘left’.
2003 Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 131 1885 We call F a left inverse for f and G a right inverse for g.
15. Of, relating to, or characteristic of a person, group, or political party favouring conservative or reactionary views (see right n. 16c). See also right-of-centre adj. at Compounds 2, right wing n. 2. [Originally after French le côté droit the right-hand side (of the Assembly) (1792, with reference to the seating of nobles and high clergy to the right of the Chair, and the third estate and lower-status clergy to the left). The first division of this sort is commonly identified as taking place during the meeting of the French Estates General in 1789. It was then repeated in a vote in the constituent National Assembly on August 28, 1789: see quot. 1837 and the note at centre n.1 15.]
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > politics > party politics > groups or attitudes right to left > [adjective] > right
illiberal1649
white?1740
right1794
conservative1802
centre-right1822
agricolous1825
hunkerish1857
right wing1857
rightward1887
rightist1894
rightwards1931
right-of-centre1937
establishmentarian1962
righty1970
neo-con1979
New Rightist1981
1794 tr. C. Desmoulins Hist. Brissotins 40 La Source, the least corrupted of those who voted with the left, and dined with the right side of the Convention, but whose pride was excited against Robespierre.
1829 Ann. Reg. 1828 162/2 The result of this election proved that..the union—scarcely a natural union—of a fraction of the extreme right or royalist side, with the whole of the left, or liberal side, which, at the general election had driven him from office, was still continued to keep him out.
1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. vi. ii. 307 There is a Right Side (Coté Droit), a Left Side (Coté Gauche); sitting on M. le President's right hand, or on his left: the Coté Droit conservative; the Coté Gauche destructive.
1874 ‘A. Beaumont’ Under Seal of Confession III. 253 Her new husband had right views on politics, and a name and a place distinguished enough to satisfy even her ambition.
1933 Labour Monthly July 419 In order to defend ‘democracy’ it is necessary to maintain a Left Cartel Government in office so as to defeat the menace of a Right Bloc Government.
1973 R. E. M. Irving Christian Democracy in France viii. 260 Although boosted by extreme right votes, the CD did even worse than the Centre in 1962.
1995 Daily Tel. 3 Apr. 22/5 These changes..have happened in countries with left governments, and in countries with right governments.
16. Boxing. Designating a punch delivered with the right fist. Frequently in right cross, right hook, right uppercut.
ΚΠ
1891 Galveston (Texas) Daily News 7 July 6/1 Tommy came back at Johnson with a right uppercut in the jaw.
1896 Trenton (New Jersey) Evening Times 4 Feb. 9/1 Cocking his terrible right hook Prof. Fitzsimmons awaited the moment when Dr. Matter's chin..should be in a receptive mood.
1906 E. Dyson Fact'ry 'Ands xvii. 233 Ther revolvin' arm..got home a left lead 'n 'er right cross.
1910 J. London Sel. Stories 941 His famous right-uppercut had been worked back on him.
1950 J. Dempsey Championship Fighting 10 He landed a right-counter to the head.
1965 G. McInnes Road to Gundagai iii. 52 I..followed it up with a..right-cross with the school cap.
1970 Times 28 Sept. 13/5 Those sneak right leads I hit him with helped as well.
1990 Boxing Illustr. Oct. 53/1 Lemons landed a short right hook that staggered Quinn.
2004 H. Strachan Make Skyf, Man! x. 110 Just at the right moment he gets him off balance and lands a heavy ungloved right hook to the temple.
B. int.
1. colloquial. Expressing agreement, acquiescence, or consent: ‘yes, of course’, ‘OK’. Now frequently used ironically to express doubt. Cf. righto int., righty-ho int., yeah, right at yeah adv. 2.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > assent > [interjection]
right1594
do1601
sure1651
all right1814
OK1839
ryebuck1859
yassuh1871
achcha1892
righto1893
same here1896
quaiss kitir1898
check1922
righty-ho1926
oke1929
okey-dokey1932
okey-doke1934
okle-dokle1947
cool1948
seen1973
aight1993
1594 W. Shakespeare Titus Andronicus iv. ii. 24 Chiron. O tis a verse in Horace I know it well... Moore. I iust, a verse in Horace, right you haue it. View more context for this quotation
1634 J. Ford Chron. Hist. Perkin Warbeck i. sig. B3v Shee's..A Princesse of the bloud, and I a Subject. Hunt. Right, but a noble Subject.
1698 Earl of Orrery Dr. Bentley's Diss. Examin'd 178 Right! it sometimes happens that a Word is Older than the Thing to which it is apply'd.
1734 A. Pope Satires of Horace ii. ii. 111 Right, cries his Lordship, for a Rogue in need To have a Taste, is Insolence indeed.
1782 W. Cowper Hope in Poems 161 Right, says an ensign, and for aught I see, Your faith and mine substantially agree.
1817 W. Scott Rob Roy II. xiv. 318 ‘I will certainly..be entirely guided by your experience.’ ‘Right, Mr. Osbaldistone—right.’
1856 C. M. Yonge Daisy Chain ii. xvi. 515 ‘I must be away from it all.’.. ‘Forgetting yourself,’ said Ethel. ‘Right. I want to have no leisure to think about myself,’ said Norman.
1877 A. J. Munby Diary 23 Jan. in D. Hudson Munby (1972) 386 ‘I think I should go lengthwise down the boards,’ said Massa, gravely. ‘Right!’ said the servant.
1935 ‘L. Ford’ Burn Forever xiii. 120 ‘I reckon you'd jes' as soon drive him over yonder to th' Crossroads? Hit ain't but a little piece.’ ‘Right,’ Ben said... He opened the car door and turned back.
1970 R. Gadney Drawn Blanc iv. 28 ‘Have you ever thought of working for the Foreign Service?’ ‘The British one?’ ‘Right.’
2004 M. Lucas & ‘D. Walliams’ Little Brit. 1st Ser. Episode 6. 169 Chancellor: I can assure you, Prime Minister, that if and when I have ambitions for the leadership you will be the first to know. Sebastian: (sarcastic ) Yeah right.
2. colloquial (originally U.S.). Appended as an interrogative to a clause, phrase, etc., inviting agreement, approval, or confirmation.Now chiefly used as a general conversational filler.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > assent > [adverb] > expression of assent > inviting agreement
right1939
1939 Automobile & Trailer Trav. Mag. July 10/1 Listen! You know a lot of big movie people. Right?
1941 W. Morris Jrnl. 6 Nov. in Amer. in Search of Way (1942) ix. 360 When he left he said pleasantly, ‘So far as I'm concerned, we're still friends. Right?’
1953 N. Cassady Let. 11 Feb. (2005) 354 I promise about no fuckie anyone but you & that a lot when I return, right?
1960 J. Kerouac Let. 22 Nov. in Sel. Lett. 1957–69 (1999) 275 I'll..get a cabin in the woods too, where..I just admire the same old eve star..which droopeth on Iowa tonight just as ever, right?
1971 Melody Maker 13 Nov. 36/6 You're getting paid, right? Let's have a little co-operation around here.
1986 Q Oct. 47/1 Then one day, right, he ups and changes tack.
1990 P. Auster Music of Chance iii. 45 After all, by now I believe all that bullshit about escaping from a prison camp in Vietnam, and if he can do that, he must have been one hell of a fucking macho man, right? A stud and a half.
2006 R. Chandrasekaran Imperial Life in Emerald City (2007) vi. 132 You'll be back tomorrow, right? Super, we'll have some chai and we'll talk about it some more.
3. colloquial (chiefly British). Used in introducing an utterance, typically to indicate a change of topic or as a means of drawing attention to what the speaker is about to say. Cf. OK int.1 3.
ΚΠ
1952 T. Armstrong Adam Brunskill xii. 401 ‘Right,’ Adam said as he put his dialling-book away. ‘If it's in the Main Limestone all the way through, how much speed do you reckon we'll make?’
1970 G. Chapman et al. Monty Python's Flying Circus (1989) II. xxxvi. 182 It's a disguise. Right! Confiscate the smutty books, Maddox.
1993 M. Leigh Naked in Naked & Other Screenplays (1995) 90 Oh, I can't bear it!.. Right! I'm off!
1994 Vox July 5/1 You can't present an album to Sony without them going ‘Right we're going to get this fucker into the charts.’
2006 F. Kiernan & G. Hemphill Still Game: Scripts I. ii. 57 Right, you, what's the story?

Phrases

P1. (the) right way, (the) right path. Also (now regional) with related nouns, as gang (gang n. 4a), gate (gate n.2), and sty (sty n.1).
a. The morally correct way to live one's life or the path to spiritual salvation.The sense appears to derive from extended metaphors in sense A. 1 with an admixture of sense A. 6 (cf. sense A. 1c); after the 17th cent. the element of sense A. 1 diminishes and later use often involves an extended metaphor with elements of sense A. 7d.
ΚΠ
eOE (Mercian) Vespasian Psalter (1965) cxlii. 11 (10) Spiritus tuus bonus deducet me in uia recta : gast ðin god gelaedeð mec in wege rehtum.
eOE King Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care (Hatton) (1871) ix. 59 Swa dydon Fariseos: naðer ne hie selfe on ryhtne weg gan noldon, ne oðrum geðafigean.
eOE tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (Tanner) v. ix. 412 He sceal to Columban mynstre cuman, forðan þe hiora sylh unrihte gongað; ah he ða sceal to rihtre stige geteon.
OE King Ælfred tr. Psalms (Paris) (2001) xxvi. 13 Gerece me on rihtne pæð [L. in semita recta] fore minum feondum.
OE Wulfstan Christian Life (Hatton) 209 Ða þe lifes weg lædan cunnan gebringan on rihtwege þa ðe ær dweledan.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 16851 Teȝȝ..droȝhenn mikell godess follc Vt off þe rihhte weȝȝe.
c1330 (?c1300) Speculum Guy (Auch.) (1898) l. 22 Ne for loue to god ne for his eiȝe, To gon out of þe rihte weye.
a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) 2988 (MED) God graunte vs grace so to sey Of trouþe to shewe þe ryȝt weye.
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. 2509 (MED) His swerd..Is to reuoke to þe riȝt weye Swiche as wrongly fro trouþe do forveye.
a1475 Sidrak & Bokkus (Lansd.) (Ph.D. diss., Univ. of Washington) (1965) 9027 (MED) A man þat..doþ his neiȝbore vnto As he wolde þat he dide hym also, Þat man lyueþ in right weie.
c1480 (a1400) St. Ninian 606 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 321 Til men of al estate ledar he wes of þe richt gat.
1534 Prymer in Eng. sig. N.vv Theym that swarue from the ryght waye vnto shrewdnes.
1610 Bible (Douay) II. Psalms xxvi. 11 Geue me a law ô Lord in thy way: and direct me in the right path.
1660 H. Peters in W. Kennett Register (1728) 36 This was still the Lord's right Way, who led his People.
1734 W. Whiston tr. in Six Diss. i. 21 So far was his Mind wander'd from the right way, that even he was not a Believer, as to what he himself said.
1781 W. Cowper Truth 17 Grace leads the right way: if you choose the wrong, Take it, and perish.
1816 W. Scott Old Mortality xiii, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. IV. 272 ‘But you are a presbyterian?’.. ‘I am, sir; praised be the light that shewed me the right way,’ replied the landlady.
1851 E. E. Stuart Let. 25 Nov. in R. Stuart et al. Stuart Lett. (1961) I. 230 We are like wayward children, erring from the right path, for our gew gaws that Satan invents to beguile our heads and hearts.
1916 J. Joyce Portrait of Artist iii. 130 Death, a cause of terror to the sinner, is a blessed moment for him who has walked in the right path, fulfilling the duties of his station in life.
1940 R. Wright Native Son ii. 219 If he were ever cornered something in him would prompt him to act the right way, the right way being the way that would enable him to die without shame.
1992 W. McGowan Only Man is Vile (1993) viii. 158 We appeal to bhikkhus to visit every Buddhist home and direct them on the right path.
b. Usually (the) right way. The correct or most practical method to achieve the end in view.
ΚΠ
a1225 (c1200) Vices & Virtues (1888) 17 (MED) He wile hes habben wel imotet, and bi rihte wæiȝe wel i-wæiȝen, and wel imered gold.
c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Knychthede (1993) vii. 50 Ffor he yat better techis his hors na his barnis he gais nocht the rycht gate to teche the order.
1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. i. f. 9 This is the rightest way and fittest order to serve God.
1583 Sir T. Smith's De Republica Anglorum iii. ix. 119 To see who hath taken the righter, truer, and more commodious way to gouerne the people aswell in warre as in peace.
a1637 B. Jonson Timber 185 in Wks. (1640) III If they would venture their industry the right way.
1670 J. Milton Hist. Brit. i. 26 [He] took the right way to be depos'd.
1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy 390 What Miracles of Architecture they would have left us, had they only been instructed in the right way.
1794 R. J. Sulivan View of Nature V. 398 Is it the right way to teach morality, to trick vice out with allurements?
1814 J. Austen Mansfield Park I. v. 101 Mothers certainly have not yet got quite the right way of managing their daughters. View more context for this quotation
1881 H. James Portrait of Lady III. xi. 170 She must think of it in the right way.
1907 E. M. Forster Longest Journey xiii. 157 If he was stupid in the right way he would be a don.
1931 Amer. Mercury Feb. p. xxviii There are chapters on How to Make and Keep a Beautiful Skin..the Right Way of Reducing, Bathing for Beauty.
2003 M. Redhill Fidelity 14 They drank much of the bottle, trying to find the right way to describe the taste.
c. the right way (also regionally gate) (of) (adverbial phrase): in the proper direction or position; in the correct manner. Also (Scottish): properly, thoroughly. Now frequently with the addition of an adverb, as about, round, up, etc. Cf. right side up at right side n. Phrases 3.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > direction > in the direction that [phrase] > in the proper direction
the right way (also regionally gate) (of)a1628
the world > action or operation > manner of action > [noun] > specific manner of action or operation > correct way or method
game1625
the right way (also regionally gate) (of)a1628
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > [noun] > true facts or circumstances
the soothc897
rightOE
trutha1382
the feat ofa1400
verity1422
the whole story1565
fact1578
the right way (also regionally gate) (of)a1628
bottom fact1864
where it's (he's, she's) at1903
inside1904
dinkum1916
society > morality > virtue > [noun] > conduct > course of
narrow wayOE
highwaya1200
the right way (also regionally gate) (of)a1628
straight and narrow path1842
high road1950
society > faith > aspects of faith > spirituality > salvation, redemption > [noun] > way of
washing-wellc1425
the right way (also regionally gate) (of)a1628
jnana-marga1877
bhakti-marga1937
a1628 J. Preston Saints Daily Exercise (1629) 116 It sets all the wheeles of the soul the right way.
1677 Compl. Servant-maid 65 Rub your sarsenet well, the right way of the sarsenet.
1722 D. Defoe Moll Flanders 247 I had hold of the Watch, and holding it the right way, the start she gave drew the Hook out.
a1756 E. Haywood New Present (1771) 256 Let it be a constant rule to scrub the boards the right way of the grain; that is lengthways.
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth iv, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. II. 113 Thou mayst do the Smith a kind turn, an thou takest this matter the right way.
1871 W. Alexander Johnny Gibb xlix Than she lows't the richt gate aboot the minaister an' a' 's ation.
1927 Z. Grey in Country Gentleman June 26/2 Even a broken line running the right way would sweep the valley from wash to slope.
1942 A. S. Forbes & H. R. Allen Ten Fighter Boys p. xv Being a little ham, he overdid the manœuvre and came the right way up.
1995 T. Parks Ital. Educ. 60 Four rows of pink-or blue-clad babies just about visible in their cots if turned the right way round.
2008 C. Newkey-Burden in J. Burchill & C. Newkey-Burden Not in my Name App. 181 It would be a sad day if everyone in the rock world gave up the sherbet, but if anyone could do it the right way, it was always going to be our Noel.
d. the right way of it: the facts or truth of a matter. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1876 G. MacDonald Thomas Wingfold III. xvi. 146 ‘I hope that's the right way of it,’ said Leopold, ‘for I want to trust him out and out.’
1893 tr. A. Warner Humour of Holland (1894) 262 Well! You've got hold of that sentiment by the wrong end. Let me tell you the right way of it.
1904 J. Davidson Queen's Romance ii. 72 You have the right way of it! Cunning, fraud, Relentless perfidy, rapacious greed, Ferocity, craft, rancour, outrage, lust—These triumph everywhere.
1927 H. Waddell Wandering Scholars Introd. p. xii This interest in the right way of it at Troy is not merely academic.
P2. the right stuff: (a) slang something that is just what is required; spec. alcoholic drink; money; (b) colloquial (chiefly U.S.) the necessary qualities for a given job or task.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > [noun]
drink1042
liquor1340
bousea1350
cidera1382
dwale1393
sicera1400
barrelc1400
strong drinkc1405
watera1475
swig1548
tipple1581
amber1598
tickle-brain1598
malt pie1599
swill1602
spicket1615
lap1618
John Barleycornc1625
pottle1632
upsy Englisha1640
upsy Friese1648
tipplage1653
heartsease1668
fuddle1680
rosin1691
tea1693
suck1699
guzzlea1704
alcohol1742
the right stuff1748
intoxicant1757
lush1790
tear-brain1796
demon1799
rum1799
poison1805
fogram1808
swizzle1813
gatter1818
wine(s) and spirit(s)1819
mother's milkc1821
skink1823
alcoholics1832
jough1834
alky1844
waipiro1845
medicine1847
stimulant1848
booze1859
tiddly1859
neck oil1860
lotion1864
shrab1867
nose paint1880
fixing1882
wet1894
rabbit1895
shicker1900
jollop1920
mule1920
giggle-water1929
rookus juice1929
River Ouse1931
juice1932
lunatic soup1933
wallop1933
skimish1936
sauce1940
turps1945
grog1946
joy juice1960
1748 J. Walcot New Pilgrim's Progr. 209 Come, there is a little Hut hard by, where I will shew you a Cup of your right Stuff.
1775 S. Foote Trip to Calais i. 25 Yes, yes, they look of that cut; not of the right stuff, as the French say, to make bucks desprits on.
1825 J. Neal Brother Jonathan 159 I ins with my hand arter that; and I outs with a handfull o' the right stuff.
1845 J. F. Cooper in Graham's Mag. May 206/2 It seems the old general decided that the boy had the ‘right stuff’ in him, and overlooked the gross impropriety of the assault, on account of its justice and spirit.
1864 B. B. Hotchkin Manliness 10 You have the right stuff in you when you are once started, and you shall be a man yet.
1915 V. Woolf Voy. Out xiv. 224 It doesn't matter how you're born if you've got the right stuff in you.
1927 P. G. Wodehouse Meet Mr. Mulliner vi. 198 A sharp spasm had reminded him how much of the right stuff he had in him at that moment.
1965 B. Behan Confessions Irish Rebel (1967) 19 Having plenty of the right stuff inside us, we caught the train for Liverpool.
1979 T. Wolfe (title) The right stuff.
2000 C. Tavris in M. S. Kimmel & A. Aronson Gendered Society Reader 32 The mismeasure of woman is responsible for the guilt-inducing analyses that leave women feeling that they lack the right stuff and are not doing the right thing.
P3. colloquial and slang. the right sort: alcoholic drink, esp. gin; chiefly in a drop of the right sort; cf. Phrases 2(a).
ΚΠ
1797 M. Robinson Walsingham II. xliv. 303 ‘What will you take to wash it down?’ ‘Vy, a drop of the right sort, if you have no objections, master’.
1843 Changes for Amer. Notes iii. 12/2 Three poor women of the working class entered this gin palace while we waited. ‘Please miss,’ said one to the smartly ringed and ringleted barmaid, ‘a quarten of the right sort, and a three-out’.
1878 T. Hardy Return of Native I. v. 100 ‘That's a drop of the right sort, I can see,’ said Grandfer Cantle.
1916 E. Phillpotts Faith Tresilion xiii. 132 In he comes, as weak as a new-dropped calf, and I pour a drop of the right sort down his neck and set him on his pins again.
P4. right side out and variants: with the usual or expected side on the exterior. Opposed to inside out. Also attributive.
ΚΠ
1827 J. N. Vlieland Compl. Course of Study 174/1 You have not put your waistcoat the right side out.
1875 Arthur's Illustr. Home Mag. Jan. 43/2 After the one remaining bone is removed, draw the wings and legs back to their proper form, and turn the fowl right side outwards.
1926 People's Home Jrnl. Feb. 12/2 She whipped the garment right side out and held its loveliness to view.
1950 Pop. Sci. Oct. 143/1 After stitching, ball is turned right side out through lace opening.
1974 M. Grene Understanding of Nature ii. 16 An inside-out image of a face causes me to see a rightside-out image of a face.
1999 D. O. Hall & K. K. Rao Photosynthesis iv. 75 The inside-out vesicles settle in the dextran-rich lower phase, while the normal right-side-out vesicles accumulate in the polyethylene glycol-rich upper phase.
2004 Pract. Crafts July 42/3 Notch the seams under the arms, turn right side out and press.
P5. the right —— for the job: the —— best suited to a given task. Frequently in the right man for the job.
ΚΠ
1849 Hogg's Weekly Instructor New Ser. 3 26/1 You and I'll trade for a gold catcher or gold scraper, as best suits. I've the right thing for the job, I should say.
1872 Mystic Star June 256 Mr. Blanchard is apparently the right man for the job—a big one though it is.
1941 C. Headlam Diary 2 July in S. Ball Parl. & Politics in Age Churchill & Attlee (1999) vii. 260 I should say that Oliver [Lyttleton] was the right man for the job if the job is to be made.
1962 Pop. Sci. July 144 (heading) Picking the right film for the job.
1977 Offshore Engineer May 16/2 (advt.) The right rope for the job.
2003 S. Moloney Dwelling v. 83 She had no idea if she was the right person for the job.
P6. to get (also have) something right: to deal with (a matter) or perform (a task) accurately or correctly; to answer (a question) correctly.In quot. 1836 with get used intransitively.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > freedom from error, correctness > be right [verb (intransitive)]
to reckon righta1400
to read right?a1425
to get, have, or take the (or a) wrong (or right) sow by the ear1546
to get (also have) something right1565
to have the right scope of1570
1565 King Daryus sig. Divv I misse a note I dare well say I shuld haue byn low when I was so hie I shall haue it ryght anone verely.
a1627 T. Middleton Chast Mayd in Cheape-side (1630) iii. 39 Why there thou hast it right.
1672 Duke of Buckingham Rehearsal ii. 17 You have it right: they are both Politicians.
1709 R. Gould Wks. I. 339 You have it right, it is truly so!
1762 W. Whitehead School for Lovers i. 3 I cannot get this right.
1836 H. Taylor Statesman xxi. 142 He whose mind is not seasonably inconclusive, and cannot bear with a reasonable term of suspense, will either get wrong, or get right more tardily by means of after-thought and correction.
1893 G. D. Leslie Lett. to Marco xx. 134 My picture is at present in a state of jib, owing to a child's head in it which I cannot get right.
1895 G. B. Shaw Let. 1 Mar. (1965) I. 491 I should muddle at it until I got it right.
1914 E. P. Stewart Lett. Woman Homesteader xxii. 223 I have your address on the back of the writing-pad, so she knew she had it right, but I suspect that was all she had right.
1933 Punch 16 Aug. 195 (caption) Tourist (after two miles of it). ‘Look here, Alfonso, let's get this right. Have you adopted us or have we adopted you?’
1951 C. P. Snow Masters iii. xxxvii. 301 I expect Eliot has got everything he said right.
2005 J. Martyn Ringfort to Runway ii. Foreword 89 The skies overhead would drone to four-cylinder Rallisons if the East European aircraft manufacturer got it right and import-certification complied with the law.
P7.
a. to set (also put) someone right: to correct or direct a person; spec. to correct a person's mistaken impression. Formerly also: †to justify (oneself) (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > information > enlightenment > enlighten [verb (transitive)] > undeceive
to bring (a person) to reasona1400
to set (also put) someone right1551
unhoodwink1585
undeceive1598
unbeguile1599
disabuse1611
disdeceive1622
disinveigle1635
clarify1642
unconfound1649
uncheat1650
undelude1651
ungull1652
unpervert1655
unseduce1664
unbewilder1668
unclouda1711
disillude1860
disillusionize1861
disillusion1864
de-bamboozle1919
straighten1956
1551 R. Crowley Pleasure & Payne sig. Ciiiiv And whye dyd you not set them ryght To seke thynges pleasante in my syght?
1645 C. D'arcy Let. 3 Feb. in S. D'Ewes Autobiogr. & Corr. (1845) II. 308 That little glimpse I have of the study you affect, gives me so much light as to discerne your ability and paines therin, and shall be beholden to you to be sett right where I run away.
1699 R. Bentley Diss. Epist. Phalaris (new ed.) 280 I'll set you right in your opinion of Minos.
1710 J. St. Leger Manager's Pro & Con 35 Sacheverell's part was to set right (as they cant) the young Clergy.
a1734 R. North Life F. North (1742) 26 The more mistaken he found himself, the more violent was he in his Proceedings; as if, by that Means, he was to set himself right.
1787 T. Jefferson Let. 13 Nov. in Papers (1955) XII. 356 The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them.
a1817 J. Austen Northanger Abbey (1818) I. xiii. 233 I must run after Miss Tilney directly and set her right . View more context for this quotation
1872 T. Hardy Under Greenwood Tree I. ii. iv. 160 A word from the tranter, however, set them right again.
1902 A. E. W. Mason Four Feathers xiv He looks as if he had lost his way. I will go on and put him right.
1949 Amer. Hist. Rev. 55 132 An evident desire to set right Negrophilists in Britain as to the relations of Black and White South Africa.
1997 A. Sivanandan When Memory Dies ii. i. 129 ‘You grandmother is the best person for you,’ she said. ‘She will put you right, and the sooner you go back the better.’
2006 A. McCall Smith Right Attitude to Rain v. 59 He lives round the corner down there. I thought that she got the wrong end of the stick but couldn't set her right.
b. to be (also get) right with (or †towards): to be (also come to be) on good terms with (a person); spec. to have the proper relationship with (God), make one's peace with (God).
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > rightness or justice > [adjective] > in relations with others
to be right witha1640
1617 T. Taylor Davids Learning 398 This is, when the heart is set right towardes God in doing all duties of pietie and charitie towardes God or men.]
a1640 W. Fenner Contin. Christ's Alarm (1657) 126 If a man be not right towards God, the times will discover this.
1754 Earl of Chatham Lett. to Nephew (1804) iv. 25 If you are not right towards God, you can never be so towards men.
1826 E. B. Barrett Ess. on Mind ii. 60 'Tis no dishonour to be right with fools.
1874 J. Parker Paraclete i. viii. 124 The Holy Ghost teaches that we cannot be right with one another until we are right with God.
1915 W. Cather Song of Lark vi. vii. 442 I was wondering how you got right with the orchestra so quickly, there at first.
1925 J. M. Gray (title) How to get right with God, and other noonday talks to busy people.
2003 I. Sansom in D. Adebayo et al. New Writing 12 46 It's almost as if Ireland were Mecca, or Jerusalem, a place of pilgrimage, to which true believers are required to make hajj once in a lifetime, to get right with God.
c. to see someone right: to look after a person, to protect the interests of a person; (also of a thing) to be beneficial to one or ensure one's success.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > care, protection, or charge > care for, protect, or have charge of [verb (transitive)] > take care of or look after > specifically a person > attend to or act for the benefit of
seea1350
to see to ——a1382
sorrow1481
to see for ——c1500
to fend for1629
to see someone right1829
to see someone all right1840
1829 G. Wyse Orig. Poems & Songs 19 No vestage left; nor kith, nor kin To welcome me from school at night. No mother there to see me right.
1886 B. Brierley Cast upon World xxv. 303 Dick's friends will see him right.
1956 M. L. Settle O Beulah Land ii. iv. 255 I'll tell Jeremiah that ye'll see us right.
1974 D. Francis Knock Down xii. 147 Get me ten good two-year-olds and I'll see you right.
1991 Photo Answers Mar. 11/3 An SLR and 70–210mm zoom should see you right on the night, along with a few rolls of medium and fast film.
2005 Sunday Herald (Glasgow) 14 Aug. 20/7 Do our publishers have no poetry in their soul? Were Randy Burns alive at this hour, who would see him right?
P8. to come right: to regain or be restored into a satisfactory or proper state. Usually in future tense.Cf. to put (also get, etc.) something right at sense A. 10.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > amending > provide a remedy [verb (intransitive)] > come right
to come about1829
to come right1844
1609 Bible (Douay) I. Gen. x. 43 (Annot.) Neuertheles if we adde certaine that begane distinct Nations afterwards, til Iacob with his children went into Aegypt.., the number wil come right.
a1647 T. Hooker Applic. of Redempt.: 9th & 10th Bks. (1657) ix. 13 A broken and humble heart, either lies right, or will come right.
1753 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison VI. li. 260 She will be a good girl. All will come right.
1798 C. Smith Young Philosopher IV. x. 237 The young lady has only just changed her mind by reason of a sort of lover's little quarrel, and all will come right again.
1844 C. Dickens Martin Chuzzlewit xxxv. 416 It'll all come right in the end, Sir; it'll all come right!
1888 J. McCarthy & R. C. Praed Ladies' Gallery II. 56 All will come right in the end.
1913 D. H. Lawrence Sons & Lovers xi. 280 It would all come right if they tried.
1962 C. Ekwensi Burning Grass ii. 10 The old man gazed reflectively into the fire. ‘Do not be anxious, Rikku; everything will come right.’
1990 P. Cullinan in M. Leveson Firetalk 9 It was the time of the Republic, the post-Sharpeville recession. But somehow we did survive, and later, after a few years we came right.
P9. to do the right thing for the wrong reason (also reasons): to act correctly or appropriately, but on the basis of flawed reasoning or faulty assumptions.
ΚΠ
1875 Gardeners' Chron. 29 May 690/1 If a gardener waters in his accustomed way because he believes plants take in water by their leaf surfaces, I can only say that he does the right thing for the wrong reason.
1938 Econ. Jrnl. 48 249 Even on the occasions when they were successful, as often as not they did the right thing for the wrong reason, stumbling on the correct solution by accident.
1960 Times 20 Feb. 7/3 In respiting Chessman for sixty days the Governor of California has done the right thing..for the wrong reasons.
2006 L. Blue Best of Blue 55 When I decided to become a rabbi, I felt guilty because I had done the right thing for the wrong reasons. I no longer think right or wrong reasons important.
P10. right and proper: fitting and appropriate; correct and acceptable.
ΚΠ
?1504 S. Hawes Example of Vertu sig. hh.iii v Laude be to the that dyd enhaunce Hym to his ryght and propre herytaunce.
1585 T. Bilson True Difference Christian Subiection iv. 746 By reason they want faith which is the right and proper instrument of spiritual eating.
1701 J. Turner Sincere & Zealous Pract. Relig. Recommended vii. 331 Both may be secured by right and proper Methods.
1762 W. Whitehead School for Lovers ii. 23 You want to know what is right and proper for you to do in the case.
1864 D. Masson in Reader 16 Jan. 67 The Commemorationists..think that it is a right and proper thing to have occasional public celebrations of important anniversaries.
1892 I. Zangwill Children of Ghetto I. xiii. 278 These trenchermen took from the dainties..and gave thereof to their offspring. Now, this is only right and proper, because it is the prerogative of children to ‘nash’ on these occasions.
1922 Times 29 July 19/5 The highest grade obtainable by the staff workers..has been fixed at £1,000... I hope that you will agree that it is a right and proper recognition of efficiency.
1948 K. Davis Human Society ii. x. 267 If..this woman had been reared in a Chukchee camp in Siberia, such a conflict could not have occurred, because among the Chukchee sexual relations with men other than the husband are considered right and proper.
2003 Church Times 17 Oct. 36/4 The incumbents' portraits have been moved around to make way for yet more peal-boards, which is only right and proper.
P11. that's right: used to express affirmation or agreement: ‘you are right’, ‘exactly’. Also is that right?: used to invite confirmation of a statement or proposal.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > agreement, concurrence, or unanimity > agreement [phrase]
it is a match!1569
that's right1608
true for you1765
how right you are1799
them's my sentiments1847
I should think (suppose, etc.)1861
right you are!1862
sure thing1895
you said it1911
with knobs on1930
you can say that again1932
I should coco1936
I couldn't agree more (with someone)1939
that makes two of us1956
yes please2010
1608 T. Middleton Your Fiue Gallants v. sig. H4v Fits. The word, Alienis ecce crumenis I. Whats that? Fits. One that liues out of other mens pockets, Pya Thats right?
1661 W. Johnson Novelty Represt ii. x. 400 What then? ergo he call's the Pope the Vice-Christ or the Vice-God? thats right.
1704 Female Wits 8 That's right, Mr. Praisewell.
1711 J. Swift Jrnl. to Stella 10 Feb. (1948) I. 188 En't that right now?
1816 J. Austen Emma iii. 172 That's right, my dear, very right.
1890 O. Wilde Picture of Dorian Gray v. 78 ‘I hear a gentleman comes every night to the theatre and goes behind to talk to her. Is that right? What about that?’
1925 A. Christie Secret of Chimneys x. 96 ‘You recognized the body as that of one of your guests?’ ‘That's right, inspector.’
1976 L. Deighton Twinkle, twinkle, Little Spy x. 99 ‘They would take it real bad.’ ‘Is that right,’ said Mann.
2007 A. Theroux Laura Warholic xvii. 248 I wish we could have gone to one of those..what did they call them, oh, that's right, automats.
P12. am I (not) right?: used (usually rhetorically) to invite agreement with or approval of a preceding statement. Also (U.S. colloquial) duplicated for emphasis as am I right or am I right? Cf. sense B. 2.
ΚΠ
1630 T. Dekker Second Pt. Honest Whore sig. K2v You ha scap'd the Gallowes, to the Deuill you flie next, sir. Am I right, my Liege?
1678 E. Howard Man of Newmarket iii. 33 Or should it sowre the Complexion of a new-fledg'd Advocate, that perhaps scarce knows how to wear the Wings of his Gown neatly on his shoulders—Am I not right, Sir?
1718 C. Cibber Non-juror iv. 53 I take it for granted, that you would marry Mr. Heartly—Am I right?
1788 Gentleman's & London Mag. Mar. 116/1 Why should you hesitate to own such a child as this? Am I not right?
1858 Train 5 4 And your opulence..is not such as to excite the just indignation of the sovereign people. Am I right?
1896 J. Barnes Princetonian ii. 24 He's a second Hector,—am I right, or am I right?
1920 A. T. de Mattos tr. M. Leblanc Secret of Sarek xv. 295 If you daren't look, it's because you've guessed or because you're on the point of guessing, you wretch: am I right?
1988 R. Basu Hours before Dawn xvii. 145 In this town people kill themselves running after the green buck, but you Indians are different. You believe more in God and the family. Am I right?
2002 News-Press (Fort Myers, Florida) (Nexis) 21 Oct. 1 a You know how the family is. They're overprotective. Am I right or am I right?
P13.
a. how right you are (and variants): used to express strong agreement or affirmation.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > agreement, concurrence, or unanimity > agreement [phrase]
it is a match!1569
that's right1608
true for you1765
how right you are1799
them's my sentiments1847
I should think (suppose, etc.)1861
right you are!1862
sure thing1895
you said it1911
with knobs on1930
you can say that again1932
I should coco1936
I couldn't agree more (with someone)1939
that makes two of us1956
yes please2010
1799 J. G. Holman Votary of Wealth i. i. 7 Certainly!—How right you were!
1834 F. Parker Dacre I. ix. 71 ‘How right you are !’ exclaimed Lady Anne: ‘but,’ added she, with increased earnestness, ‘do not delay the good deed.’
1876 Catholic World 24 400/1 Oh! how right you are, dear Kate.
1935 D. L. Sayers Gaudy Night viii. 167 ‘She's awfully kind. But I'm always having to be grateful... It makes me want to bite.’ ‘How right you are,’ said Harriet.
1942 E. Waugh Put out More Flags ii. 98 ‘I expect they thought that if we had time we should try and stop them coming.’ ‘How right they were.’
1967 O. Norton Now lying Dead i. 1 Not that anything they decided could embarrass the police, as the coroner gently pointed out. And how right he was.
1970 G. Butler Coffin from Past xiv. 147 ‘I always said I'd move away from here... I never liked the district.’.. ‘How right you were,’ he said.
1991 Garden (Royal Hort. Soc.) Mar. (verso front cover) It was you who persuaded me to let you reset the diamond into a ring and keep it to sell later—how right you were, as always!.
b. colloquial. right you are!: expressing agreement with something said or assent to an action: ‘as you please’, ‘if you want’, ‘I take your point’. Cf. sense B. 1.Not used in North America.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > agreement, concurrence, or unanimity > agreement [phrase]
it is a match!1569
that's right1608
true for you1765
how right you are1799
them's my sentiments1847
I should think (suppose, etc.)1861
right you are!1862
sure thing1895
you said it1911
with knobs on1930
you can say that again1932
I should coco1936
I couldn't agree more (with someone)1939
that makes two of us1956
yes please2010
1862 Once Week 21 June 705/1 ‘Right you are, Mossoo,’ quoth the Inspector, laughing.
1883 H. Smart At Fault xviii. 213 Everybody will come to you; they will say Mr. Marlinson knows all about it. And you can reply, ‘Right you are, I do... But..my lips are sealed.’
1912 E. R. Burroughs in All-Story Mag. Oct. 246/2 ‘If the mutineers are victorious our one slim hope lies in not having attempted to thwart or antagonize them.’ ‘Right you are, Alice. We'll keep in the middle of the road.’
1947 J. Symons Man called Jones 14 ‘An advertising agency can only exist in full perfection in a capitalist system which is showing the—the iridescence of decay. It thrives in an atmosphere of commercial competition—’ ‘Right you are,’ said Mudge.
2003 C. Birch Turn again Home xii. 154 ‘See you at work Monday, then, Nell,’ he said. ‘Right you are.’
c. colloquial (originally U.S.). damn (also damned, goddamn, goddamned) right: expressing emphatic certainty, agreement, or approval: ‘yes, indeed’, ‘definitely’, ‘absolutely’.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > affirmation and denial > [adverb] > as an emphatic affirmative
absolutely1825
rather1836
a thousand times, yes1896
definitely1931
deffo1940
damn straight1964
1908 R. D. Hillis in Yale Lit. Mag. Dec. 110 ‘We never appreciate a good thing until we've suffered for it!’ ‘Damn right!’ said Tommy, dryly.
1947 F. Yerby Vixens xi. 162 Goddamned right I'll stay at the house! I'll stay until I straighten Laird out.
1973 Times Recorder (Zanesville, Ohio) 12 Feb. 3 b/1 ‘Are you ready to come back to the Major Leagues?’... ‘Goddamn right I am.’
1993 ‘A. McNab’ Bravo Two Zero (1994) ix. 248 Would the Allies bomb a position where prisoners were? Damned right they would.
2014 T. McCulloch Stillman 163 ‘You big daftie, you'll always be welcome here.’ Damn right. Not a day goes past that she isn't welcomed here.
d. colloquial (originally Australian and New Zealand). too right: expressing emphatic agreement or approval: ‘yes, indeed’, ‘absolutely’.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [interjection] > emphasizing a preceding statement
vow1788
I'll say1919
too right1919
the mind > language > statement > assent > [adverb] > expression of assent
yesOE
yeaOE
soa1400
toa1525
very well1529
yus1775
yerse1862
yeah1863
yeh1868
orright1874
yep1883
yup1887
ayuh1894
yairs1896
yayus1900
yip1906
too right1919
quite1924
1919 W. H. Downing Digger Dial. 51 Two eyes right or too right, certainly.
1926 K. S. Prichard Working Bullocks iv. 41 ‘That's to say you're as big a fool fruit-growing as Bill Graeme is catching wild horses.’ Wally Burke's eyes took the fire-light as he smiled. ‘Too right,’ he said.
1943 D. Stewart Ned Kelly i. i. 23 Devine's still in the lock-up?.. Too right he is.
1951 J. Fleming Man who looked Back xi. 145 ‘We should have thought of that before we started out.’ ‘Too right,’ Joe agreed.
1977 Zigzag Aug. 31/1 Something better change—too right mate!
2004 M. Keyes Other Side of Story (2005) 75 ‘This comes as a..surprise?’ Too right it did... ‘I was scuttered,’ I whispered. ‘It was Saturday night,’ he said.
P14.
a. Australian and New Zealand colloquial. she'll be right: ‘everything will be fine’. Frequently attributive, designating an attitude of blind optimism.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > [phrase]
to rightsc1330
all (also everything) is gas and gaiters1839
(as) nice (also good, sweet, etc.) as pie1855
(as) right as rain1891
everything in the garden is lovely (also rosy)1898
she'll be right1947
1947 D. M. Davin For Rest of Lives xvi. 81 She'll be right as soon as we get back with the boys again.
1959 Times 27 June 7/7 He calls in the appropriate tradesman, who fixes the thing so that it works again, but not very well. He protests and is told: ‘She'll be right.’
1959 G. Slatter Gun in my Hand 148 Poor country lads the Hun radio called them... The easy-going jokers who jacked things up with the she'll-be-right spirit.
1974 A. Buzo Coralie Lansdowne says No 65 ‘There's more in the car. I'll go and get it.’ ‘Do you want a wheelbarrow?’ ‘She'll be right.’
1983 Australian 9 Aug. (Sydney ed.) 9 The ‘she'll be right’ attitude is about to get its worst-yet jolt.
2006 Sydney Morning Herald 7 Sept. 3/1 Australian air travellers take a ‘She'll be right’ attitude to safety, paying little or no attention to briefings by flight attendants.
b. Australian and New Zealand colloquial. she's right: ‘that's fine’, ‘everything is in order’.
ΚΠ
1950 N.Z. Listener 3 Mar. 12 ‘She's right!’ Miss Cooper said, with a good Pig Islander's inflexion.
1958 F. B. Vickers Though Poppies Grow 76 ‘You're free until we take a firm order. But bring the permit with you.’ ‘She's right mate. Thanks a lot.’
1961 B. Crump Hang on a Minute Mate 33 Thanks for the beer, added Jack. She's right, said the barman. Hope you get the job.
1978 D. Stuart Wedgetail View 21 ‘What d' y' reckon, should I drop back a bit an' put up a smoke, let them know where we are?’ ‘No, she's right, Col. Davey's got one going.’
P15. the customer is always right: see customer n. Phrases.

Compounds

C1. Parasynthetic.
right-headed adj.
ΚΠ
1742 Modest Enq. Present State Foreign Affairs 43 The People of Great Britain should assist the right-headed Germans against the wrong-headed.
1829 W. Scott Jrnl. 25 Apr. (1946) 57 I assured him that a man who had been wrong in the head all his life would scarce become right-headed after death.
1912 Cent. Mag. Oct. 862/1 It was his peculiarity to pursue his right-headed ideas with far less obstinacy than his wrong-headed ones.
2000 Gallup Poll: Publ. Opinion 1999 98 [Clinton's] policies are perceived as ‘right-headed’ by 60%.
right-hearted adj.
ΚΠ
1592 G. Babington Certaine Comfortable Notes Genesis (xxxix.) f. 153 What should it be in our selues if we also were right hearted with them.
1646 F. Rous Psalms of David xciv. 168 All shall follow after it, that are right-hearted men.
1848 J. R. Lowell Fable for Critics (ed. 2) 41 All honour and praise to the right-hearted bard Who was true to The Voice when such service was hard.
1945 Jrnl. Negro Educ. 14 72/1 It is a good sign..that two native Southerners, one Negro, one white, have been so clear-eyed and right-hearted about the world that is to be.
1996 S. Brouwer et al. Exporting Amer. Gospel 306 The scouts were calling for ‘real, live men—red-blooded and right-hearted men’.
right-nosed adj.
ΚΠ
?1711 J. Petiver Gazophylacii VII.–VIII. Table 72 Right-nosed Limington Fossile Oyster.
1893 T. B. Strange Gunner Jingo's Jubilee i. v. 49 The scent..ought..to have demoralised any right-nosed English foxhound.
2004 G. Simmons What Darwin didn't Know x. 134 Commonly a right-handed person will be right-nosed, too.
right-sized adj.
ΚΠ
1773 T. Hatton Introd. Clock & Watch Work ii. 275 The vibrations of a right sized balance, when moved half round, should be 18, before it stands still of itself.
1895 K. Grahame Golden Age 44 Nature, in providing water-rats, had furnished right-sized stones.
1990 G. Matthews & J. Matthews Early Math. Experiences (ed. 3) iii. 57/1 Alexandra..matched each with the right-sized lid and graded them on a shelf by size.
C2.
right bank n. the bank of a river that lies on the right of a person facing downstream; spec. (with capital initials) the area lying north of the Seine in central Paris (cf. left adj.1 1a and rive droite n.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > land mass > shore or bank > bank > [noun] > of river > right
right bank1600
rive droite1797
1600 E. Blount tr. G. F. di Conestaggio Hist. Uniting Portugall to Castill vii. 230 Rifana of Santa Maria,..is fifteene miles from the left banke of the riuer of Doro, vpon the right banke whereof, Porto is seated.
1798 L. Hoche Instr. to Col. Tate 8 Sail up the Avon at night fall, within five miles of the town, where the landing should be made, on the right bank.
1838 H. H. Milman in E. Gibbon Decline & Fall I. ix. 364/1 Many tribes on the right bank of the Rhine..were German Cimbrians.
1869 R. F. Burton Explor. Highlands Brazil II. 169 An old Morador put off from the right bank to buy twist-tobacco.
1916 A. Bennett Lion's Share xiv. 119 Winnie! What do you say to going and living on the right bank for a bit?
1958 J. Byrom Or be he Dead viii. 115 Take care of yourself. If you must go out... Keep on the Right Bank.
1974 E. Ambler Dr. Frigo i. 36 When she was studying in Paris she worked part-time in a gallery on the Right Bank.
2005 Wine Internat. Jan. 58/3 In 1984, the Merlot failed on Bordeaux's Right Bank, resulting in tannic, hard wines lacking in charm.
† right circle n. Obsolete a circle whose plane is perpendicular to a given plane; (Astronomy) a great circle of the celestial sphere whose plane is perpendicular to the right horizon.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the universe > celestial sphere > [noun] > right sphere
right circlec1400
right sphere1556
the world > relative properties > number > geometry > shape or figure > [noun] > two-dimensional > closed curve > circle > other
primitive circle1690
right circle1842
point-circle1865
in-circle1883
c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Brussels) (1940) ii. §26. f. 91 The spere solide..schewith openly the diuerse ascencions of signes..as wel in the riȝt [v.r. ryghtȝ] cercle as in the embelyf.
1679 J. Moxon Math. made Easie 18 Right Ascensions..always happen in a Right or Direct Sphere. But in an Oblique Sphere, only in the Right Circle or Meridian.
1725 W. Hawney Doctr. Plain & Spherical Geom. x. 169 The Pole of a right Circle is required.
1842 J. Gwilt Encycl. Archit. Gloss. 1026 Right Circle, a circle drawn at right angles with the plane of projection.
right circular adj. (a) Physics (of polarization) circular with a clockwise rotation of the electric field vector when viewed in the direction of travel; (b) Mathematics (of a cone or cylinder) having a cross-section that is a circle, and an axis passing through the centre of the circle at right angles to it.
ΚΠ
1831 Edinb. Jrnl. Sci. 5 325 It appeared that in right-handed quartz it is necessary to suppose the right-circular polarization transmitted with the greater velocity.
1840 D. Lardner Treat. Geom. 223 If one side of a plane rectilinear angle revolve round its other side as an axis, it will produce the surface of a right circular cone.
1877 B. Williamson Elem. Treat. Integral Calculus (ed. 3) ix. Ex. 12 The axis of a right circular cylinder.
1951 W. W. Elliott & E. R. C. Miles College Math. (ed. 2) xxi. 299 These curves, from the fact that as a class they arise as plane sections of a right circular cone, are called conic sections.
2005 P. Tait Introd. Radar Target Recognition xiv. 371 Radar signals can be ‘polarised’ horizontally, vertically or with left or right circular polarisation.
right-circularly adv. Physics and Chemistry circularly in a right-handed (clockwise) direction.
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1860 London, Edinb., & Dublin Philos. Mag. 4th Ser. 20 356 The light incident through g f is right-circularly polarized, and that through h f is linearly polarized.
1935 E. U. Condon & G. H. Shortley Theory Atomic Spectra iv. 92 The radiation is right circularly polarized in the direction θ = 0.
2007 J. W. Lewis et al. in V. N. Uversky & E. A. Permyakov Methods Protein Struct. & Stability Anal. iii. ii. 348 (caption) The difference in a sample's absorbance of left and right circularly polarized light is determined.
right-click v. Computing (a) intransitive to press the rightmost button of a mouse or similar device, typically in order to display a menu in a graphical user interface; to make such a click on a particular area or element of a graphical user interface; (b) transitive to click the rightmost button of (a mouse); to right-click on (a particular area or element of a graphical user interface); cf. left-click vb. at left adj.1, n., and adv. Compounds 2c.
ΚΠ
1989 Bug with Lucid Common Lisp in comp.lang.lisp (Usenet newsgroup) 10 Feb. While it's running, right click repeatedly on the editor window.
1994 What PC? Oct. 22/1 To show you how it works, if you right-click on objects such as buttons or fields, you can view their Objectpal code by choosing Code Help.
2001 J. Kraynak Compl. Idiot's Guide to Windows XP xiv. 179 Right-click a blank area of the chart to display a pop-up menu.
2006 PC Gamer Apr. 123/3 If it appears as a removable drive in Windows, give it the occasional defrag (right click, Properties, Tools, then Defragmentation).
right corner n. Mathematics †(a) = right angle n. 1 (obsolete); (b) a corner formed by the meeting of two or more planes which are perpendicular to each other (now rare).
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > angularity > [noun] > angle or corner > right angle
right anglec1400
right corner1548
rectangle1560
quadrate1568
straight angle1601
1548 T. Cooper Bibliotheca Eliotæ (rev. ed.) Orthogonius, that hath ryght corners.
1656 T. Blount Glossographia Rectanguled, that hath right Corners or Angles.
1830 D. Brewster tr. A. M. Legendre Elements Geom. & Trigonom. 241 A right corner would be the angle formed by two planes perpendicular to each other.
1992 P. Janich in R. E. Butts Euclid's Heritage viii. 155 (caption) Three plane surfaces of a right corner.
right croaker n. U.S. Criminals' slang (now rare) a doctor who will treat, or write prescriptions for, criminals without informing the police.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > healer > physician > [noun] > attending specific patients
kitchen physician1616
archiater1634
school doctor1857
croaker1859
attending1883
right croaker1929
1929 G. L. Hostetter & T. Q. Beesley It's a Racket! vii. 93 To him [sc. the racketeer], a physician or surgeon is only a ‘croaker’, a ‘right croaker’ if he is the sort who will treat a fugitive criminal's wounds or injuries without notifying the police.
1951 Evening Sun (Baltimore) 27 Mar. 4/1 He [sc. a dope addict] may have found he could acquire prescriptions..from a doctor who had his price... (The doctor was a ‘right croaker’).
right deer n. English regional (Devon) rare a deer six years old or more.
ΚΠ
1875 G. J. Whyte-Melville Katerfelto xxix He's a right deer, I tell ye.
right descension n. Astronomy and Astrology the angular distance of an object, measured along the celestial equator, from the point on the equator which sets with the object in a right sphere; cf. right ascension n.
ΚΠ
1594 T. Blundeville Exercises ii. i. xxix. f. 161v I will proceed to the ascention and descention of the starres both right, meane, and oblique.]
1658 Sir T. Browne Hydriotaphia: Urne-buriall v. 77 Our longest Sunne sets at right descensions.
1702 V. Mandey tr. J. J. Hainlin Synopsis Mathematica: Astron. iii. 458 To find the right descension of any Arch of the Ecliptick.
1850 E. Bruce & J. Bruce Introd. Geogr. & Astron. (ed. 11) 257 Right descension, oblique descension, and descensional difference, have the same reference to the setting of the sun..as the above terms have to rising.
1906 A. Leo Progressed Horoscope xiii. 221 Right Descension is opposed to Right Ascension; it is, in short, the opposite degree of the equinoctial.
2007 M. V. Zombeck Handbk. Space Astron. & Astrophysics (ed. 3) ii. 153 Galactic-equatorial (celestial) systems... α = right descension (1950.0), δ = declination (1950.0).
right deviationism n. [after Russian pravyj uklonizm (1930 or earlier)] (in a Communist party or society) the policies or practices of right deviationists.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > politics > party politics > [noun] > departure from party principles
deviationism1940
right deviationism1945
fractionalism1950
fractionism1952
splittism1962
1945 Amer. Slavic & East European Rev. 4 220 These deficiencies are unworthy in a work, albeit popularly written, of presumed serious interest. In times past, they would have provoked swift condemnation for ‘right deviationism’.
1958 G. M. Carter Polit. of Inequality ii. 61 In September, 1931, Bunting, W. H. Andrews, Solly Sachs and other prominent Communists were expelled from the Party for ‘right deviationism’.
2004 R. C. Kraus Party & Arty in China ii. 54 The Ministry of Culture still had an office for evaluating new songs, including six hundred new tunes attacking Deng Xiaoping and ‘right deviationism’.
right deviationist n. (and adj.) [after Russian pravyj uklonist (1927 or earlier)] (in a Communist party or society) an advocate of departure or divergence from orthodox principles or policies towards more capitalist or conservative ones; also as adj.; cf. deviation n. 3e.
ΚΠ
1930 W. H. Chamberlin Soviet Russia iii. 78 The Right Deviationists..favored a larger production of goods for immediate consumption.
1958 P. Kemp No Colours or Crest vii. 141 This attitude branded him as a Right deviationist in the eyes of his fellow Communists.
1993 Harper's Mag. Oct. 40/2 An arch unrepentant capitalist roader and harbinger of the right deviationist wind.
right-eared adj. using the right ear more naturally than the left (in tasks or tests that discriminate between the two ears).
ΚΠ
1894 Items Interest 16 638 I'm right-handed, left-eyed, right-jawed, left-legged and right-eared.
1930 Science 24 Oct. 437/1 When a person is right-handed he is also, in a less marked degree, right-footed, right-eyed and right-eared. in other words, he is right-sided.
2002 M. Robin Physiol. Handbk. Teachers Yogasana iii. 49/2 Six out of ten are right eared.
right field n. Baseball that part of the outfield that lies to the right as viewed from home plate; frequently attributive; (also) the position of a right fielder; a player fielding in this position.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > baseball > baseball player > [noun] > fielder or baseman
centre field1835
short stopc1837
base player1842
outfielder1855
short1856
short field1856
baseman1857
left field1857
right field1857
short fielder1857
third baseman1857
right fielder1860
centre1866
infielder1867
scout1870
relayer1910
sacker1914
first base1959
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > baseball > baseball ground > [noun] > ground where fielders stand
field1848
short field1856
left field1857
right field1857
infield1867
outfield1868
1857 Spirit of Times 29 Aug. 404/3 Enterprise Club. Maxfield, catcher;..Davis, right field; Knight, second base.
1867 H. Chadwick Base Ball Player's Bk. Reference 51 A ball similarly hit to the right or left fields.
1949 Marshfield (Wisconsin) News-Herald 19 July 9/4 Corbett hit a change of pace pitch on a line into right field for the second Tomahawk hit.
1991 M. Mantle My Favourite Summer: 1956 x. 170 The distance to right field and right center wasn't far, but they had that 40-foot wall and screen in right, which made it tough to clear.
2014 R. M. Selter in F. Sullivan Old Comiskey Park 46 The White Sox purchased an additional parcel of land behind the original right field wooden bleachers. This permitted the outfield doubledeck stands to be deeper in right field than in left field.
right fielder n. Baseball a fielder who defends right field.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > baseball > baseball player > [noun] > fielder or baseman
centre field1835
short stopc1837
base player1842
outfielder1855
short1856
short field1856
baseman1857
left field1857
right field1857
short fielder1857
third baseman1857
right fielder1860
centre1866
infielder1867
scout1870
relayer1910
sacker1914
first base1959
1860 N.Y. Herald 24 Aug. 5/4 Russell followed at the bat, and although he played very carefully, he was caught out by the right fielder, Creighton.
1912 C. Mathewson Pitching in Pinch 27 Kane, the little rightfielder on the Cincinnati club, was the first man up.
1957 Encycl. Brit. III. 160/2 The outfielders are called right fielder, centre fielder and left fielder with relation to a man standing on home plate and facing out across the diamond.
2002 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 5 May viii. 3/1 Brenly, using the same play, suggested that if he asked the right fielder what the third baseman does on the wheel, he would say, ‘I don't know. All I know is I run and back up first.’
right-footed adj. (a) (of a kick) made with the right foot; (b) (of a person or animal) using the right foot more naturally than the left.
ΚΠ
1879 Daily News 28 Jan. 5/2 An opponent, who, trying to arrest a right-footed kick, finds the ball ‘dropped’ or ‘dribbled’ past him from the left foot.
1891 D. Wilson Right Hand 169 I believe about four were left and four right-footed.
1934 Times Lit. Suppl. 4 Jan. 4/2 All the animals that set themselves to grip their prey, are right-footed.
2000 Over Land & Sea No. 231. 12/2 There are also plenty of good right-footed players who ‘could do a job’.
2005 A. Nugent Four Courts Murder 24 The injuries were inflicted by a violent right-footed kick delivered by a sturdy boot or shoe.
right-footedness n. the property, state, or condition of being right-footed.
ΚΠ
1884 Letts's Illustr. Househ. Mag. 26/2 The reader will not fail to remark that it is essential to overcome any tendency to right-footedness or left footedness [in dancing].
1907 Science 1 Nov. 595/1 Dextroexpertness.—Conjoint and superior expertness of the dextral sensory and muscular organs of the body; the union of right-handedness, right-earedness, and right-footedness.
1973 Jrnl. Aesthetics & Art Crit. 32 27/1 Right-footedness is the distinctive characteristic of the Athlete (ca. 350 B.C.).
2004 BBC Wildlife Mag. May 65/1 Though many of the parrot species as a whole didn't show a strong bias for left- or right-footedness, right-footed birds had greater language abilities.
right horizon n. Astronomy (now historical) the horizon as seen from a point on the earth's equator, at which the plane of the horizon is perpendicular to the plane of the celestial equator.
ΚΠ
c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Brussels) (1940) ii. §26. f. 91 This..riȝt [v.r. rethe] orizont..diuideth the equinoxial in to riȝt angles.
1559 W. Cuningham Cosmogr. Glasse 20 This Picture sheweth the fourme of a right Horizont.
1749 Geogr. Reformed (ed. 2) vii. 75 Those who have a Right Horizon, or that live along the Equator, enjoy a perpetual Equinox.
1818 E. Polehampton & J. M. Good Gallery Nature & Art (ed. 2) I. 310 Those who live under the equator..are said to live in a right sphere, or to have a right horizon.
1952 C. G. Wallis tr. N. Copernicus On Revol. Heavenly Spheres ii. v. 566 On a right horizon all the stars rise and set, and the days are always equal to the nights.
right line n. a straight line; (Geometry) the shortest line on a surface which joins two given points on that surface.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > straightness > [noun] > rectilinear quality > a straight line
straight line1398
right linec1400
rectitude1578
c1400 Omnis Plantacio (Egerton) l. 633 in Wks. Lollard Preacher (2001) 25 Also Plato and his sect seien þat two poyntis or indiuisible þingis stonden togidir in a riȝt lyne wiþoute ony mene.
1509 J. Fisher Saynges Dauyd in Eng. Wks. (1876) I. 62 As long as the myddes of a lyne is egall with bothe endes,..it is called a ryght lyne.
1570 H. Billingsley tr. Euclid Elements Geom. i. f. 2 One right lyne cannot be righter then an other.
1796 C. Hutton Math. & Philos. Dict. (new ed.) I. 162 Two parabolas, placed with their axes in the same right line, are asymptotes to one another.
1898 T. F. Tout Empire & Papacy (1901) xvii. 425 The right lines and measured regularity of an American city.
1922 J. Joyce Ulysses iii. xvii. [Ithaca] 649 A conjunction of two or more public thoroughfares, the point of bisection of a right line drawn between their residences.
2002 L. Schneps tr. Y. Hellegouarch Invitation Math. Fermat-Wiles iv. 243 A right line drawn in the plane of a curve.
† rightmetre-verse n. Obsolete a correct metrical verse; cf. metre-verse n. at metre n.1 Compounds 2.In quot. apparently with reference to Latin hexameter.
ΚΠ
OE Byrhtferð Enchiridion (Ashm.) (1995) ii. i. 92 Þæt rihtmeteruers sceal habban feower and twentig timan.
right-of-centre adj. tending to hold or characteristic of conservative or right-wing political views; cf. sense A. 15 and centre n.1 15.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > politics > party politics > groups or attitudes right to left > [adjective] > right
illiberal1649
white?1740
right1794
conservative1802
centre-right1822
agricolous1825
hunkerish1857
right wing1857
rightward1887
rightist1894
rightwards1931
right-of-centre1937
establishmentarian1962
righty1970
neo-con1979
New Rightist1981
1937 Times 11 Feb. 16/1 Control remains with the same ‘Right of Centre’ group which has exercised it in the name of unity and discipline since the February revolt.
1958 P. Johnson in N. Mackenzie Conviction 207 I had a job on..a glossy Paris magazine. It was vaguely right-of-centre, superficially progressive.
1974 T. Allbeury Snowball xiii. 69 A right-of-centre Trades Union delegate and a Midlands MP passed notes.
2007 N.Y. Mag. 3 Sept. 60/1 Yes, he is right of center, but he is an equal-opportunity zinger, he will zing Republicans as well as Democrats.
right prismatic adj. having the form of a right-angled prism.
ΚΠ
1813 J. M. Good et al. Pantologia at Hoot We conceive a right prismatic surface raised from the perimeter of the figure.
1938 National Math. Mag. 12 210 The economy gained by the bees is such that they can build 53 cells of this peculiar form, by using the same amount of wax as would be required to build 51 cells of right prismatic form.
2006 K. K. Sharma Optics x. 441 A blazed transmission grating with grooves possessing right prismatic cross-section.
† right range n. Obsolete the distance a bullet travels in a straight line before beginning to drop; = level-range n. at level n. Compounds.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > discharge of firearms > [noun] > range of gun or shot
reach1572
right range1637
blank1747
carry1851
1637 J. Roberts Compl. Cannoniere 29 The more a peece is mounted, the farther she conveyeth her shot in a right Range.
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. v. xii. 69 To shoot in a Right-Range..is, as far as the Bullet doth go in a Right-line at any Degree of Elevation.
1704 J. Harris Lexicon Technicum I. (at cited word) If the Bullet go in a Line parallel to the Horizon, it is called the Right or Level-Range; if the Gun be mounted to 45 Degr., then will the Ball have the highest or utmost Range,..all others between 45 Degr. and 00 are called the Intermediate Ranges.
right sailing n. Nautical the action or an act of sailing due north, south, east, or west, so that only the longitude or the latitude of a ship alters.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > [noun] > types of navigation
great circle sailing1595
loxodromics1704
oblique sailing1704
orthodromics1704
right sailing1704
parallel sailing1705
orthodromy1706
plane sailing1749
composite sailing1850
loxodromy1855
radio navigation1926
hyperbolic navigation1945
satnav1970
hyperbolic system1972
1704 J. Harris Lexicon Technicum I Right Sailing, is when a Voyage is perform'd on some one of the four Cardinal Points.
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Right sailing, running a course on one of the four cardinal points, so as to alter only a ship's latitude, or longitude.
1927 G. Bradford Gloss. Sea Terms 143/1 Right sailing, when the course of a vessel lies either along a parallel or a meridian.
right side tool n. a cutting tool which cuts from right to left; (also) a tool which acts on the right side of its object; cf. side tool n. at side n.1 Compounds 3.
ΚΠ
1813 ‘T. Martin’ Circle Mech. Arts 553/1 The chuck is screwed into the mandril, the rest fixed in a convenient position, and the hole in the chuck turned out by the right side tool.
1864 Turner's Compan. 35 Fig. 3 is called a right-side tool, and has two cutting edges.
1912 W. L. Ilgen & C. F. Moore Forge Work v. 106 Right Side Tool.—Fig. 83. Forging, offsetting, hardening, and tempering.
1988 O. D. Lascoe Handbk. Fabrication Processes i. 68 A staking head, located in the position of the right-side tool, finishes the cycle by staking the stud in place.
right sine n. Mathematics now rare a straight line drawn from one end of a circular arc parallel to the tangent at the other end, and terminated by the radius; the length of such a line (proportional to the sine of the angle).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > geometry > [noun] > branches of > trigonometry > functions of
right sine1581
sine1593
secant1594
tangent1594
secans1599
cosine1635
cotangent1635
cosecant1706
sec.-
1581 W. Borough Discours Variation Cumpas v. sig. D.j Whiche is the second righte sine of the Semidiurnall ark.
1715 tr. D. Gregory Elements Astron. II. v. §32. 797 The Ratio between..the Radius and the Right Sine of the Angle ASD.
1824 Mechanic's Mag. 24 July 310/2 It is required to find a line representing the right sine of 36 deg. 8 min.
1918 W. M. Barr Industr. Engin. I. iii. 155 From two-thirds of the cube of the right sine of half the arc of the base, subtract the product.
right sphere n. Astronomy and Astrology the celestial or terrestrial sphere when its equator is perpendicular to the horizon (as it is only at the earth's equator); cf. oblique sphere n. at oblique adj., n., and adv. Compounds 2, parallel sphere n. at parallel n., adj., and adv. Compounds 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the universe > celestial sphere > [noun] > right sphere
right circlec1400
right sphere1556
1556 R. Record Castle of Knowl. 209 In the Righte Sphere.
1700 Moxon's Math. made Easie (ed. 3) 158 A Right or Direct Sphere hath both the Poles of the World in the Horizon, and the Equinoctial transiting the Zenith.
1818 E. Polehampton & J. M. Good Gallery Nature & Art (ed. 2) I. 310 Those who live under the equator..are said to live in a right sphere.
1906 A. Leo Progressed Horoscope 220 In a Right Sphere the horizon is a meridian circle.
1956 Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc. 46 140/2 For the important special case where ϕ = 0°, i.e. when the observer is on the terrestrial equator, the risings are said to be in the right sphere.
2006 D. S. Birney et al. Observational Astron. (ed. 2) i. 9 The stars ascend vertically in the east in a right sphere.
right-to-left adj. designating or characterized by movement from the right to the left.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > sideways movement or a sideways movement > [adjective] > across from side to side
side to side1849
right-to-left1855
thwartwise1890
1855 R. G. Latham Eng. Lang. (ed. 4) II. vi. 83 Remember the different possible and actual varieties of direction [of a line of writing]..noticing the left-to-right, the right-to-left, and the bustrofedon forms.
1856 J. C. Maxwell in Trans. Royal Sc. Soc. Arts 4 198 With a left to right rotation, the axis turned towards the right, and with a right to left rotation, the axis turned towards the left.
1960 V. Jenkins Lions Down Under 174 He came up into an orthodox right-to-left threequarter movement.
1995 Lit. & Ling. Computing 10 74/1 Even complex and right-to-left languages are easy to type.
right triangle n. Geometry a triangle containing a right angle.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > angularity > specific angular shape > [noun] > triangle > specific
orthogonium1570
right triangle1583
orthogonion1653
1583 R. Payne Vale Mans Table 1/2 You must deduct..5 Acres for the right triangle on the Southwest part.
1736 B. Martin Young Trigonometer's Compl. Guide I. ii. x. 326 In Right Triangle a s S, there are known all the Angles and the side aS=6.
1831 T. Walker Elements Geom. (ed. 3) i. 36 The two acute angles of a right triangle are complements of each other.
1903 J. McMahon Elem. Geom. i. 62 In a right triangle the side opposite the right angle is called the hypotenuse.
2004 New Yorker 13 Sept. 76/2 It was a small shed, so it had to be set over the horse at a diagonal, the length of the horse being, in effect, the hypotenuse of two right triangles.
right–wrong adj. (also right/wrong) chiefly Education that admits of evaluation only as wholly right or wholly wrong.
ΚΠ
1923 P. B. Ballard New Examiner xvii. 181 Once we depart from a rigid right-wrong system of marking we open the floodgates of personal vagaries and lose the benefit of a scale which is objective and invariable.
2005 T. McCain Teaching for Tomorrow ii. 42 Linked to students' fear of failure is their inability to cope with uncertainty. One cause of this problem is teachers' overemphasis on questions with right/wrong answers.
C3. Sport. In team sports (as football, hockey, and hurling): designating various positions on the right-hand side of a field of play (relative to the attacking direction of the team); (also) designating the player who fills such a position. See also right wing n. 3, right-winger n. 1.
right-back n.
ΚΠ
1881 Derby Mercury 2 Nov. 8/1 J. Lineker (left back), C. Smith (right back).
1956 Granta 18 Feb. 5/1 I had a very easy game at right back.
2006 FourFourTwo Aug. 54/3 Snooze cruise for Italy, who take an early lead when excellent right-back Gianluca Zambrotta cuts in and unleashes from 25 yards.
right corner-back n.
ΚΠ
1933 Lethbridge (Alberta) Herald 7 Mar. 8/1 The second period was colorful from start to finish. In four minutes McVey tallied from a face-off in the right corner back of the goal line.
1955 Coshocton (Ohio) Tribune 19 Aug. 10/8 Pettibon will start as the right corner back with the Browns' Don Paul moving to right half.
1975 Irish Independent 27 May 12/1 Kilkenny will be without..right corner back Fan Larkin and right corner forward Mick Brennan in next Sunday's Wembley [hurling] tournament.
2001 M. Breheny & D. Keenan Ultimate Encycl. Gaelic Football & Hurling 71/2 Des Foley was at midfield on the Dublin team while his brother, Lar, was at right corner-back.
right corner-forward n.
ΚΠ
1937 Meath Chron. 22 May 11/5 One-sided Hurling Match... Joe Leonard was pretty poor as right corner forward and will hardly continue to hold his place.
1957 Irish Independent 12 Dec. 15/6 In the quarter-final of the Frewen Cup (Munster Colleges under-18 football)..a last-minute point scored by right corner forward S. Travers earned Criost RI the right of a replay.
1975 Irish Independent 27 May 12/1 Kilkenny will be without..right corner back Fan Larkin and right corner forward Mick Brennan in next Sunday's Wembley [hurling] tournament.
2009 Kerryman (County Kerry) (Nexis) 11 Feb. The seventh defender trotted down briefly to right corner-forward before moving back.
right end n.
ΚΠ
1884 C. M. Green Friend of All 1134/2 The two opposing sides line up according to the diagram seen below... R. E. Right End, R. H. Rt. Half Back.
1887 Syracuse (N.Y.) Standard 20 Nov. 1/4 Yale put the following team in the fray: Corbin, center rush; Carter, right guard; Woodruff; left guard; Gill, right tackle; Cross, left tackle; Wallace, right end; [etc.].
1896 W. Camp & L. F. Deland Football 344 Instructions to Right End... You should help the right tackle block his man.
1937 Life 1 Nov. 53/3 (caption) Right End Elmer Dohrmann (6 ft. 5 in., 198 lb.) is 22, a senior, from Staplehurst, a four-letter man.
1974 Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio) 13 Oct. c12/7 The Jackets locked up the game with 10:09 remaining as quarterback Jim Tressel jaunted around right end for a 16-yard touchdown.
2006 Chicago Tribune (Midwest ed.) 20 Nov. iv. 7/2 His 28-yard keeper around right end resulted in a 13-0 cushion.
right guard n.
ΚΠ
1884 C. M. Green Friend of All 1134/2 The two opposing sides line up according to the diagram seen below... R. G. Right Guard, [etc.].
1911 P. H. Davis Football xviii. 446 Yale..Right Guard, R. C. Tripp, '06.
1991 Don Heinrich's Pro Preview /91 28/2 John Davis, a nondescript Plan B free agent in 1989, filled the void at right guard and had a solid season.
right half-back n.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > characteristics of team ball games > [noun] > players or positions
wing-back1734
goalkeeper1789
outfielder1855
quarter1857
centre fielder1865
outfield1867
quarterback1867
right1867
centre1868
left wing1871
left-back1873
left half-back1873
centre forward1874
left-centre1877
right-centre1877
centre back1878
centre half-back1879
forward1879
back1880
right wing1880
right half-back1881
goaltender1882
right-winger1882
wing1882
centre half1884
left winger1884
inside1886
half1887
custodian1888
left half1888
midfielder1888
left wing1889
right half1889
centreman1890
midfield1890
outside right1890
outfieldsman1891
goalie1894
winger1896
infield1897
inside forward1897
inside right1897
outside forward1897
outside1898
outside left1900
rearguard1904
pivot1911
wing-man1942
keeper1957
link1958
linkman1963
midfield1976
1881 Derby Mercury 2 Nov. 8/1 F. Comery, captain (right half back), J. Lineker (left back), C. Smith (right back).
1897 Earl of Suffolk et al. Encycl. Sport I. 419/2 The right back and the right half-back look after the opposing left wing forwards.
1951 Sport 7 Jan. 13/4 Perseverance has repaid Billy Stroud, right-half-back of Newport County.
1992 N. Bhattacharya Hem & Football iv. 48 You, Purnima, as the right half-back, you must mark the opposite inside left.
2001 M. Breheny & D. Keenan Ultimate Encycl. Gaelic Football & Hurling 24/3 John Donnellan..captained the side from right half-back in 1964.
right half-forward n.
ΚΠ
1888 S. Austral. Reg. (Adelaide) 6 July 7/1 The following nineteen men will comprise the English team on Saturday..right half forward, Bumby; [etc.].
1958 Oshkosh (Wisconsin) Daily Northwestern 20 Sept. 12/2 Oshkosh's starting lineup undoubtedly will have Gunter Zedler as goal tender, Fritz Litjens as right fullback... John Gietman or Tod Rietvelt as right wing. Gil Osmus as right half forward [etc.].
1975 Irish Times 24 May 3/1 Their right-half forward, Francis Loughnane, a man who..has won many games for the county.
2009 Irish Examiner (Nexis) 5 Feb. Conor McGrath, Bricky Rangers, is at right-half forward.
right tackle n.
ΚΠ
1887 Syracuse (N.Y.) Standard 20 Nov. 1/4 Yale put the following team in the fray: Corbin, center rush; Carter, right guard; Woodruff; left guard; Gill, right tackle; Cross, left tackle.
1905 F. H. Yost Football for Player & Spectator 245 Full Back hesitates until he receives the ball and plunges through the line in the path of the right tackle.
2002 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 1 Sept. viii. 9/1 He goes into every game with a mental script of how he is going to attack the right tackle lined up across from him.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2010; most recently modified version published online December 2022).

rightv.

Brit. /rʌɪt/, U.S. /raɪt/
Forms:

α. Old English hrihð (Northumbrian, plural present indicative, probably transmission error), Old English rihtan, Old English ryhtan, early Middle English richte, early Middle English rihhtenn ( Ormulum), Middle English righte, Middle English righth, Middle English riȝt, Middle English rigte, Middle English riȝte, Middle English riȝthe, Middle English riȝthte, Middle English riȝtte, Middle English riht, Middle English rihte, Middle English riste, Middle English rith, Middle English ryȝght, Middle English ryght, Middle English ryghte, Middle English ryghtte, Middle English ryȝt, Middle English ryȝte, Middle English ryȝtte, Middle English ryhte, Middle English ryte, Middle English rythe, Middle English– right, 1600s wright; English regional 1600s– reet (northern), 1700s reart (Devon), 1800s– reight (northern); Scottish pre-1700 rycht, pre-1700 1700s– richt, pre-1700 1700s– right.

β. Old English rehtan (rare), Middle English reghtte; Scottish pre-1700 recht.

Also past tense.

α. Old English–Middle English rihte, Middle English right, Middle English riȝt, Middle English riȝte, Middle English ryght (in a late copy), Middle English ryȝt.

β. Middle English rehtte, Middle English reyȝt.

Also past participle. Old English geriht, Old English ryht, early Middle English richt, Middle English iriht, Middle English riȝt, Middle English yryȝt.
Origin: A word inherited from Germanic.
Etymology: Cognate with Old Frisian riuchta (West Frisian rjochtsje ), Middle Dutch richten , also rechten (Dutch richten ), Old Saxon rihtian (Middle Low German richten , also rechten ), Old High German rihten , rihtan (Middle High German rihten , German richten ), Old Icelandic rétta , Old Swedish rätta (Swedish rätta ), Danish rætæ , rættæ , rethæ (Danish rette ) < the Germanic base of right adj.; in Gothic only the prefixed form garaihtjan is attested.In Old English the α. forms reflect the expected development in all dialects; the rarer β. forms apparently show the influence of similar forms of right adj. (which, unlike the verb, was not subject to Germanic raising of e to i before a following i- or j- suffix; compare α. forms at right adj. and int.). In Old English the prefixed form gerihtan (compare y- prefix) is also attested in the senses ‘to set in order, to direct, to correct’.
†I. To make straight, straighten.
1.
a. transitive. To make (a path, way, etc.) straight (only in figurative contexts). Also with out. Cf. right side n. 5. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > put in (proper) order [verb (transitive)] > put in order or set to rights
rightOE
to set to rights1668
sort1827
to set on or upon the square1846
OE (Northumbrian) Lindisf. Gospels: John i. 23 Ego uox clamantis in deserto, dirigite uiam domini : ic stefne clioppendes in uoestern rehtas..woeg drihtnes.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 9201 Gaþ till. & rihhteþþ swiþe wel Drihhtiness narrwe stiȝhess.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 9208 All þatt ohht iss wrang & crumb Shall effnedd beon. & rihhtedd.
a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 129 (MED) Makeð þe louerdes weies and rihteð his peðes.
c1400 (a1349) R. Rolle Meditations on Passion (Cambr.) in C. Horstmann Yorkshire Writers (1895) I. 91 Þei toke of þe rode þi blessyd body; þei ryȝttyd owt þine armys þat were bycome starke.
a1500 Ratis Raving (Cambr. Kk.1.5) l. 527 in R. Girvan Ratis Raving & Other Early Scots Poems (1939) 15 Can nan so weill the vays rycht Tyll the first makar..as simpill treuth can.
1638 R. Brathwait Psalmes Paraphr. l. 95 He honours me, that praises paies, For sacrifices due; And I to him that rights his waies, Will Gods salvation shew.
a1684 R. Leighton Pract. Comm. 1st Epist. Peter (1694) II. iii. 166 Seek this as the only Way to have thy Soul, and ways righted, to be in Christ, and then walk in him.
b. transitive. To straighten (a crooked object); spec. to make straight (a crooked, stiff, or crippled limb). Also with out. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > straightness > make straight [verb (transitive)]
unfoldc890
evenOE
rightc1275
rectifyc1475
straight1530
unbow1538
straighten1542
unarch1598
uncrisp1598
uncurl1598
undouble1611
untuck1611
unwind1614
bendc1616
unbend1663
unwarp1670
evolve1689
unwrap1859
unkink1891
dekink1957
the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > surgery > treatments uniting or replacing parts > unite or replace parts [verb (transitive)] > cure of distortion
rightc1275
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) 9731 Sa me scal lacnien his leomes þat beoð sare and his ban rihten mid bitele [read bitere] stelen.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 56 (MED) At cherche kan god..do his miracles—þe blynde to liȝte, þe crokede to riȝte.
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xvi. xcix. 879 It..was nouȝt ybroke but ybende and yfolde and he rightit and amendid it wiþ an hamour.
a1425 (c1300) Assumption of Virgin (BL Add.) (1901) l. 748 Ihesu, þorw his mochil myȝt, Here feet and handes gan to ryȝt.
a1475 Sidrak & Bokkus (Lansd.) (Ph.D. diss., Univ. of Washington) (1965) 11592 (MED) Þe blinde he shal ȝeue sighte And þe croked hise lymes righte.
c1480 (a1400) St. Ninian 1308 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 341 Mystrowand he wald gif me mycht þi lath lymmys for to rycht.
1660 in J. B. Craven Church Life S. Ronaldshay & Burray (1911) 30 Be this threid [etc.]..the Lord God lightit, and foale's foote rightit, and put it lith to lith and bone to bone.
1702 J. Moyle Chirurgus Marinus (ed. 4) xxii. 159 When you are setting these Bones, they cannot be righted without extention.
2. intransitive. To go right, remain true and just. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > virtue > righteousness or rectitude > do good or act rightly [verb (intransitive)]
to do goodeOE
to do notec1275
righta1393
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) ii. 3071 (MED) For whan that holi cherche wrongeth, I not what other thing schal rihte.
†II. To guide, govern.
3. transitive. To guide, direct. Also in to right and rede. Obsolete.In Old English also with object in dative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > cause to move in a direction [verb (transitive)]
steerc888
righteOE
wisec1330
guy1362
makea1425
guide?a1505
to make forth1508
direct1526
to make out1560
bend1582
incline1597
work1667
usher1668
head1826
humour1847
vector1966
target1974
eOE King Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Otho) (2009) I. xxii. 485 He riht and [ræt eallum] gesceaft[um], swa swa good stiora anum scip[e].
OE (Northumbrian) Lindisf. Gospels: Luke i. 79 Ad dirigendos pedes nostros in uia pacis : to rehtanne foet usra in we sibb [OE Rushw. woege sibbe].
c1225 (?c1200) St. Juliana (Bodl.) l. 275 (MED) Lauerd godd al mihti..festne mi bileaue; Riht me & read me, for al mi trust is on þe.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) iv. 821 He scholde se the liht brenninge, Wherof he mihte his weies rihte To come wher sche was be nyhte.
a1400 Psalter (Vesp.) v. 9 in C. Horstmann Yorkshire Writers (1896) II. 134 Ryght [a1400 Harl. Rith] my wai in syghte þine.
a1400 Psalter (Vesp.) cxviii. 133 in C. Horstmann Yorkshire Writers (1896) II. 256 (MED) Right [L. dirige] mi steppes after þi speche esse.
c1450 Jacob's Well (1900) 234 (MED) In alle þi thowȝtys thynke on þi god, & he schal ryȝten þi weyis.
a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) xxxvi. §24. 134 Anens god the gangyng of man sall be rightid.
4. transitive. To govern, rule, judge. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > rule or govern [verb (transitive)]
steera900
hold971
wieldOE
warda1000
redeOE
wisc1000
i-weldeOE
rightlecheOE
rightOE
raima1325
governc1325
guyc1330
rulea1387
justicec1390
rekea1400
reigna1413
lorda1450
earlc1450
seignoryc1475
over-govern1485
overrulec1488
emperyc1503
gubern?a1505
signorize1594
sway1613
gubernate1623
overlead1720
belord1858
prime minister1906
OE Wærferð tr. Gregory Dialogues (Corpus Cambr.) (1900) iv. xxii. 292 Þu sylfa wast.., þæt he heold min mynster & ær rihte [L. rexit] his agen mynster in Ualeria þære mægðe.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 2 Þeos riwle is eauer Inwið & richteð [c1230 Corpus rihteð] þe heorte.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) 3117 Heo sculleð..eower laȝen setten to rihten eore leoden.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vii. 2530 (MED) Achab..hadde al Irahel to rihte.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 7747 (MED) He þat al rightes wit na ros Sal ilk man yeild after he dos.
a1400 Prymer (St. John's Cambr.) (1891) 24 Thou demest peplis in euenehed, and folkes in erthe thow riȝtest [c1425 Cambr. dressist].
in tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) Prol. 124 (MED) My wight he [sc. Christ] right, my number and mesure.
1512 Helyas in W. J. Thoms Early Eng. Prose Romances (1858) III. 149 He was so good and so prue to right and governe the welth publyke.
III. To set upright.
†5. transitive. To set up, establish, erect, construct. Also: to institute (a religion, a law, etc.). regional (with up) in later use. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > initiating or causing to begin > initiate [verb (transitive)] > found or establish
arear?a800
astellc885
planteOE
i-set971
onstellOE
rightOE
stathelOE
raisec1175
stofnec1175
stablea1300
morec1300
ordainc1325
fermc1330
foundc1330
instore1382
instituec1384
establec1386
firmc1425
roota1450
steadfastc1450
establishc1460
institute1483
to set up1525
radicate1531
invent1546
constitute1549
ordinate1555
rampire1555
upset1559
stay1560
erect1565
makea1568
settle1582
stablish1590
seminarize1593
statuminatea1628
hain1635
bottom1657
haft1755
start1824
the world > space > relative position > vertical position > make vertical [verb (transitive)] > make upright or erect
rearOE
rightOE
to set upa1225
raisea1250
upreara1300
risea1400
to dress upc1400
stand?a1425
upsetc1440
dress1490
to stick up1528
arrect1530
erect1557
prick1566
upright1590
mounta1616
OE Genesis B 749 Waldend..mid handum his eft on heofonrice rihte rodorstolas and þæt rice forgeaf monna cynne.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) 7426 Þas biscopes..þene Cristindom..rihten..& sæiden þan Papen..hu he hæfden..iriht þene Cristindom.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) 8717 Nes na mon..þat cuðe þet weorc [sc. Stonehenge] rihten, & þa stanes dihten.
a1450 St. Francis (Bodl.) l. 99 in Archiv f. das Studium der Neueren Sprachen (1889) 82 314 (MED) Haue, syre, þis catel, þis cherche for to ryȝte.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xxii. 481 Thenne he made hym to be brought whereas the galohous were righted.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xx. 444 He made to be broughte there a longe ladder, and righted it to the walles.
1864 B. Lloyd Ladies Polcarrow 163 Ever since Government has ordered great white stones to be righted up along cliff, for we to see in the dark.
†6.
a. transitive. To cause (a person) to stand; to raise (a person) (up), esp. after a fall; to lift up (the head). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > posture > upright or erect posture > set upright or erect [verb (transitive)]
rightOE
uprighta1340
erect1557
perka1591
pert1613
OE (Northumbrian) Lindisf. Gospels: Luke xiii. 13 Et imposuit illi manus et confestim erecta est et glorificabat deum : & gesette hir hond & sona ahefen wæs uel gerehtad.
c1225 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Bodl.) (1940) l. 367 Þu þet art i wit wraht to godes ilicnesse, & i riht, bodi up, & heaued towart heouene.
a1425 (c1340) R. Rolle Comm. on Canticles (Laud) in Psalter (1884) 526 Thoro takyng in kynde, he riȝttyd vs out of deth.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xiv. 316 He righted his hede vp.
a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) xix. §9. 73 Thai ere obligid and thai fell, bot we rase and we ere righthid [L. erecti].
a1525 Eng. Conquest Ireland (Trin. Dublin) (1896) 44 (MED) Wyth hys blode he [sc. Beket] ryght hyr [sc. the Church] vp.
b. transitive (reflexive). To assume an upright position. Also with up. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > posture > action of standing up or rising > rise [verb (reflexive)]
risec1175
arearc1220
right?c1225
to do up?c1335
dressa1400
raisec1450
to stand up1533
rearc1580
upend1900
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 18 Bu ȝinde sumdel duneward, segeð, Pater noster, &..credo, ba stille. Richteð [c1230 Corpus Cambr. Rihteð, a1400 Pepys riȝtteþ] ou vp þer efter, ed domine Labia mea.
a1300 (c1275) Physiologus (1991) 111 Ðe neddre..If he cloðed man se, cof he waxeð, For up he riȝteð him, redi to deren.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 5439 (MED) Iacob vp in bedd him right.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 11694 ‘Rise vp,’ he said, ‘and right þe nu’.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) x. 259 He righted hymself vpon his buttocke.
a1500 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Trin. Dublin) 839* Þat oþer renishit r[e]nke hym rightes in þe sadyll..Stranes owt hys sterops & sternly lokez.
?1586 R. P. tr. D. Ortúñez de Calahorra Third Pt. First Bk. Mirrour of Knighthood f. 184 Then this furious Pagan righted vp himselfe againe, blaspheming against the heauens.
7.
a. transitive (reflexive). To recover one's balance or equilibrium; to recover one's footing; to correct a false step. Also figurative and with up.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > equal [verb (reflexive)] > recover one's balance
recovera1393
right?1586
balance1833
?1586 R. P. tr. D. Ortúñez de Calahorra Third Pt. First Bk. Mirrour of Knighthood xxxviii. f. 181v Both of them fell backwarde vpon their horse croupers, and so passed the one by the other, but straight waies they righted vp them selues againe in their saddels.
a1807 W. Wordsworth Prelude (1959) iii. 106 Amid this gaudy Congress, fram'd Of things..The head turns round and cannot right itself.
1830 Chron. in Ann. Reg. 137/1 He leaned forward ‘to right himself in the saddle’.
1873 H. Grote Let. 24 Oct. in Lewin Lett. (1909) II. v. 318 It is wonderful to me how his fine nature ever righted itself.
1896 ‘Iota’ Quaker Grandmother xxii Mrs. Ince righted herself instantaneously and superbly.
1910 E. M. Forster Howards End xli. 317 He could not see that the girl was desperately righting herself, and trying to save something out of the disaster.
1935 G. Greene Eng. made Me iii. 155 The table rocked and righted itself.
1958 Pop. Mech. Sept. 16/2 At first the Patent Office spokesman appeared taken aback, but he quickly righted himself.
1986 E. Longford Pebbled Shore (1988) ix. 152 He tripped, fell flat on his face, and brought down Lady Desborough with him... They both quietly righted themselves.
2000 P. Beatty Tuff ii. 24 He was about to right himself when he lost his balance, teetered, and fumbled away his walking sticks.
b. transitive. To restore to a proper, upright position after a fall, overturn, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > inversion > invert [verb (transitive)] > and restore to proper position
restore1656
right1823
1823 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 13 442 Leaving the guides to remount him, and right him in his seat.
1841 B. Hall Patchwork III. vii. 132 By the help of some..peasants..we soon righted the carriage.
1887 T. Hardy Woodlanders II. x. 178 The damage in other respects was little or none; the phaeton was righted, Mrs. Charmond placed in it, and the reins given to the servant.
1913 Pop. Mech. Nov. 634/2 The aeroplane turned four complete somersaults, but the pilot regained control and righted it in time to make a safe landing.
1976 Evening Post (Nottingham) 14 Dec. 7/6 Miss Hazel Carlin, of Hucknall, said she saw about eight youths shouting and swearing. They overturned a car then righted it.
1994 W. Gaddis Frolic of his Own 474 He looked up startled, righted the bottle against a cushion beside him and sank back.
8.
a. transitive. Nautical to right the (also one's) helm: to put the helm (helm n.2) straight in line with the keel. Now chiefly historical.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > steering > steer [verb (transitive)] > work the rudder > turn helm or tiller to specific position
port1580
starboard1605
to right the (also one's) helm1627
leea1668
to up with1860
1627 J. Smith Sea Gram. ix. 37 Right your Helme, that is, to keepe it in the mid ships, or right vp.
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. i. ii. 16 Right your Helmnes.
1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine Righting, when expressed of the helm, implies the replacing it in the middle of the ship, after having produced the required effect.
1794 D. Steel Elements & Pract. Rigging & Seamanship II. 292 Right the helm, and haul up the mizen.
1841 R. H. Dana Seaman's Man. 66 Get the main tack down and sheet aft, and right your helm.
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Right the Helm, the order to put it amidships, that is, in a line with the keel.
1909 C. T. Brady On Old Kearsarge iv. 45 Quicker than it takes to tell, he righted the helm and then starboarded it hard.
1957 M. Goudeket Close to Colette x. 71 This was not the only time when I chose to let her steer her way among the rocks, ready to right the helm when shipwreck threatened rather than put obstacles in her way.
1988 R. L. Webb On Northwest ii. 75 A half-dozen men, hauling on tackles, were required to right the helm and get the vessel once again before the wind.
b. intransitive. Of a ship, etc.: to recover or reassume a normal or upright position. Also in extended use.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > action or motion of vessel > [verb (intransitive)] > right itself
right1684
self-right1852
1684 I. Mather Ess. for Recording Illustrious Providences i. 29 Her Mainmast and her Mizen-mast being cut down, the Ship righted again.
1705 Boston News-let. 2 July 2/1 When they left the Ship she righted, and they believe then her bottom came out.
1745 P. Thomas True Jrnl. Voy. South-Seas 24 She providentially righted again, tho' slowly.
1762 W. Falconer Shipwreck ii. 26 The lab'ring Ship may bend, ne'er more to right.
1834 F. Marryat Peter Simple I. xv. 245 The ship righted, trembling fore and aft.
1878 R. L. Stevenson Inland Voy. 112 The Arethusa..whipped under the tree, righted, and went merrily away down stream.
1904 J. London Sea-wolf iii. 34 As the schooner lifted and righted the water swept across the deck.
1973 Islander (Victoria, Brit. Columbia) 18 Nov. 3/3 When the squall passed, the cargo had slipped so much that she would not right.
1987 R. Hall Kisses of Enemy (1989) 3 Out through the helicopter window the toy city banked and righted.
1990 Daily Tel. 4 Aug. (Colour Suppl.) 40/4 We righted level, only to go off on the next wave at speed.
c. transitive. To bring (a ship, etc.) back into a proper, vertical position. Now also: to restore (an aircraft) to a normal, upright position. Also reflexive and with †up.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > other nautical operations > [verb (transitive)] > bring ship back to vertical position
right1732
society > travel > travel by water > action or motion of vessel > [verb (reflexive)] > right itself
right1861
1732 Jrnl. Voy. Eng. to Afr. 1693–4 in Coll. Voy. & Trav. VI. 177 Having righted up the ship a little, to my great trouble and surprize, we found that our foremast was sprung about three foot above the partners in the forecastle.
1738 S.-Carolina Gaz. 29 Nov. 2/2 After some time he righted his Vessel, by shifting the Ballast.
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson iii. vii. 367 They righted her again, to set up anew the careening geer.
1817 W. Scott Let. 31 Jan. (1933) IV. 382 The mass of property has the same effect on our Constitution, and is a sort of ballast which will always right the vessel, to use a sailor's phrase, and bring it to its due equipoise.
1834 F. Marryat Peter Simple III. xi. 142 They were forced to cut away the masts to right her.
1861 T. Hughes Tom Brown at Oxf. I. ii. 26 [The boat] righted herself, and glided swiftly into the still water.
1896 C. G. D. Roberts Forge in Forest xiv In a few minutes, having righted the canoe and carried it down to a convenient landing-place, I joined her.
1918 W. J. Abbot Aircraft & Submarines 115 The modern airplane is naturally so stable that if not interfered with it will always attempt to right itself before the dreaded vrille occurs.
1957 A. C. Clarke Deep Range i. x. 94 The sub rocked crazily, and for a moment Franklin feared it was going to overturn; then it righted itself.
1988 Air Enthusiast Sept. 6/2 On spinning to the left there was a tendency for the aircraft to right itself without the use of the controls, making the spin difficult to maintain.
1997 Shetland Times 21 Nov. 17/1 According to Mr Henry the new boat was ‘phenomenally tight’ letting in just half a pint of water as she was turned upside down before righting herself.
2003 Herald Express (Torquay) (Nexis) 24 Mar. 12 The video continues with tips on righting a boat after a capsize, sail controls [etc.].
IV. To correct, put right, restore.
†9. transitive. To correct or amend (a person, one's life, etc.) spiritually. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > virtue > righteousness or rectitude > reform, amendment, or correction > reform, amend, or correct [verb (transitive)]
i-bete971
rightOE
rightlecheOE
menda1382
redress1384
rectifyc1475
OE Blickling Homilies 63 Þa deman beoþ on Godes fultome æghwær, ge þæt hie him selfum heora synna bebeorgaþ, ge eac oþre syngiende rihtaþ.
lOE Laws of Wihtræd (Rochester) iv. 12 Æltheodige mæn, gif hio hiora hæmed rihtan nyllað, of lande..gewiten.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 10361 Min Fulluhht..maȝȝ hemm brinngenn onn To rihhtenn þeȝȝre dede.
a1300 Passion our Lord l. 544 in R. Morris Old Eng. Misc. (1872) 52 (MED) Iesus crist..com in-to þis myddenerd sunfulle men to ryhte.
c1350 (a1333) William of Shoreham Poems (1902) 127 (MED) Þou hast y-ryȝt þat was amys, Ywonne þat was y-lore.
c1390 in C. Horstmann Minor Poems Vernon MS (1892) i. 19 (MED) Lord..My lyf amende, my dedes riht.
c1450 tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage Lyfe Manhode (Cambr.) (1869) 207 Gladliche j wolde..that by the meetinge that j haue seyn alle pilgrimes ryghteden hem [Fr. se radrecassent] and kepten hem from forueyinge.
?a1475 (a1396) W. Hilton Scale of Perfection (Harl. 6579) ii. xxviii. f. 99v (MED) Þese soules þat are þus called fro synne & þus riȝted..schul be glorified.
1593 in J. D. Marwick Rec. Convent. Royal Burghs Scotl. (1870) I. 395 Lord..we..beseik thi maiestie to richt oure vnrewlie affectiouns.
a1627 R. Shelford Five Pious Disc. (1635) iv. 199 The action..is no way to be righted and resisted, but by the other evil.
1637 S. Rutherford Lett. (1848) cxcvii. 387 I must come with my ill-ravelled work to Christ to cumber him..to right it.
a1732 T. Boston Sovereignty & Wisdom of God (1737) 211 One wrong Step, if not righted, makes Way for another: And much Guilt is contracted, by one's not being told of his Fault.
1875 Congregational Q. Jan. 44 Justifying a sinner is righting or righteousing him by bringing him to a penitent self-consecration to the person and service of Jesus.
10. transitive. To make correct, bring into accordance with truth or the facts; to correct or render exact (accounts, etc.); to give the correct information to (a person). Also with up. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > vertical position > vertical or upright [phrase]
rightOE
on enda1300
an-end1530
the world > action or operation > amending > put right [verb (transitive)] > specific information or opinion
rightOE
rectifya1513
recognize1656
unblunder1665
redress1710
OE (Northumbrian) Epist. Jerome to Damasus 2 Codicum grecorum emendata conlatione : boc criecna geboetat uel girihtad efnegelæded.
OE Laws of Cnut (Nero) ii. ix. 314 And gemeta & gewihta rihte man georne.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy 69 The whiche bokes..A Romayn ouerraght & right hom hym-seluyn.
1579 J. Jones Arte preseruing Bodie & Soule i. xxxvii. 77 Prudence righteth vnderstanding, Fortitude Courage.
a1603 T. Cartwright Confut. Rhemists New Test. (1618) 39 Augustine..might heere haue righted you up, if you had not willingly closed your eyes.
1677 R. Cary Palæologia Chronica ii. ii. §3. xiv. 251 The true reading of Josephus as to these Numbers, righted by D. Vossius.
1690 W. Walker Idiomatologia Anglo-Lat. 5 He said he was righting his accounts.
1706 G. Farquhar Recruiting Officer v. vi. 71 'Tis time to right all Mistakes.
1767 G. G. Beekman Let. 23 Mar. in Beekman Mercantile Papers (1956) I. 510 I Received and note the Contents, the two mistakes which I have righted in my Books.
1863 W. Phillips Speeches vi. 151 Endeavor to right the public mind.
1898 Harvard Law Rev. 12 210 When it appeared that this lot was not owned by the testator, the court righted the mistake by the aid of parol evidence.
1948 L. MacNeice Holes in Sky 26 What chance misspelt May never now be righted by my choice.
1984 Listener 8 Nov. 42/1 Someone recently wrote to The Listener taking issue with Alan Protheroe's use of the verb ‘to craft’, only to be righted by another reader.
11.
a. transitive. To set in order; to adjust; to set or put right; to rectify.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > put in (proper) order [verb (transitive)]
rightlOE
attire1330
ettlea1350
to set (also put) in rulea1387
redress1389
dress?a1400
fettlea1400
governc1405
yraylle1426
direct1509
settlec1530
tune1530
instruct1534
rede1545
commodate1595
square1596
concinnate1601
concinnea1620
rectify1655
fix1663
to put (also bring) into repair1673
arrange1802
pipeclay1806
to get together1810
to do up1886
to jack up1939
lOE Laws: Gerefa (Corpus Cambr.) xiii. 455 A he mæig findan, hwæt he mæig on byrig betan..: oððe hus godian, rihtan & weoxian.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) 12842 Heo lihten of heore steden and rihten [c1300 rihte] heore i-weden.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) 15435 Heo rihten heore loues and up droȝen seiles.
c1300 St. Edmund King (Laud) 45 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 298 Huy benden heore bouwene and stoden a-feor and heore Arewene riȝten.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vii. 5072 Hire clothes with hire hand sche rihte.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. l. 11763 Þer mot men se maryners..ropes to right, lynes to lay.
1483 ( tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage of Soul (Caxton) iii. i. f. xlixv Somme blewe the fyre, Somme with yron forkes ryghted the brondes.
1594 R. Carew tr. J. Huarte Exam. Mens Wits viii. 113 The Schollers, who haue their bookes well righted, and their chamber well dressed, and cleane kept.
1612 J. Speed Theatre of Empire of Great Brit. i. iii. 5/2 The..kings of England..sate in person in the seat of iustice, to right the greater affaires of their Subiects.
1699 E. Ward Walk to Islington 4 When she had righted her Hoods and her Pinners, We entred the Walks to the rest of the Sinners.
1746 Exmoor Courtship 428 Hare's darning up of old blonkets and rearting tha peels.
1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §275 After righting all matters to our satisfaction.
1808 C. Vancouver Gen. View Agric. Devon vii. 140 These ridges are also looked over and righted with the mattock.
1863 W. C. Baldwin Afr. Hunting 365 An excellent omelette for breakfast..has already righted me considerably.
1896 Yorks. Weekly Post 31 Oct. Ah'll see it reighted for yo'.
1927 V. Woolf To Lighthouse iii. v. 259 Far from breaking up the marriage, that alliance had righted it.
1955 E. Bowen World of Love x. 194 The room righted its balance, causing objects to seem to be slipping back into what had been their position.
1986 P. L. Fermor Between Woods & Water (1988) viii. 226 Instantaneous dunes build up the other bank with shoals and sand-banks, blocking channels and closing the river-bed: seasonal disasters only to be righted by months of dyking and dredging.
†b. transitive. To repair. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > manufacturing processes > mending or repairing > [verb (transitive)]
beetc975
menda1200
amenda1250
rightc1275
botcha1382
reparela1382
cure1382
repaira1387
dighta1400
emend1411
to mend up1479
restablishc1500
help1518
trimc1520
redub1522
reparate1548
accommodate1552
reinstaure1609
reconcinnate1623
to do up1647
righta1656
fixa1762
doctor1829
vamp1837
service1916
rejig1976
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 2983 Lette he ȝeond his castles makie kine-wurðe werkes, rihten alle þæ hallen & stronginen þæ walles.
c1450 (?a1400) Duke Rowland & Sir Otuell (1880) 753 (MED) Aughte dayes þay duelled thare Þaire harnays for to righte.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin x. 150 Whan thei wer loiged, thei rested and right her armours.
1640 Dumfries Burgh Treasurer's Accts. 9 in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue at Richt For nailles to right the communioun tables 4 s.
c. transitive. With up. Originally: to repair or refurbish. In later use (regional and U.S.) also: to clear or clean, to straighten or fix; (also) to perk (someone) up.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > refreshment or invigoration > refresh or invigorate [verb (transitive)]
akeleOE
restOE
comfort1303
ease1330
quickc1350
recurea1382
refresha1382
refetec1384
restorec1384
affilea1393
enforcec1400
freshc1405
revigour?a1425
recomfortc1425
recreatec1425
quicken?c1430
revive1442
cheerc1443
refection?c1450
refect1488
unweary1530
freshen1532
corroborate1541
vige?c1550
erect?1555
recollect?1560
repose1562
respite1565
rouse1574
requicken1576
animate1585
enlive1593
revify1598
inanimate1600
insinew1600
to wind up1602
vigorize1603
inspiritc1610
invigour1611
refocillate1611
revigorate1611
renovate1614
spriten1614
repaira1616
activate1624
vigour1636
enliven1644
invigorate1646
rally1650
reinvigorate1652
renerve1652
to freshen up1654
righta1656
re-enlivena1660
recruita1661
enlighten1667
revivify1675
untire1677
reanimate1694
stimulate1759
rebrace1764
refreshen1780
brisken1799
irrigate1823
tonic1825
to fresh up1835
ginger1844
spell1846
recuperate1849
binge1854
tone1859
innerve1880
fiercen1896
to tone up1896
to buck up1909
pep1912
to zip up1927
to perk up1936
to zizz up1944
hep1948
to zing up1948
juice1964
the world > action or operation > amending > restoration > restore [verb (transitive)] > renovate or renew
newOE
freshc1300
renovela1325
renewa1382
renulec1384
refreshc1425
repairc1425
anewc1440
ennew1523
renovatea1555
renove1588
regenerate1607
righta1656
reficiate1657
freshen1710
refreshen1780
to fresh up1831
recondition1857
renovize1932
society > occupation and work > industry > manufacturing processes > mending or repairing > [verb (transitive)]
beetc975
menda1200
amenda1250
rightc1275
botcha1382
reparela1382
cure1382
repaira1387
dighta1400
emend1411
to mend up1479
restablishc1500
help1518
trimc1520
redub1522
reparate1548
accommodate1552
reinstaure1609
reconcinnate1623
to do up1647
righta1656
fixa1762
doctor1829
vamp1837
service1916
rejig1976
a1656 J. Ussher Ann. World (1658) 391 Having there new wrighted up such ships of his as had been any wayes bruised in the fight, he put over from thence to Phocaea.
1687 Sheriffhall Coal Acct. Bks. 29 Jan. in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue at Richting To the workmen for righting the panling.
1702 in G. Sheldon Hist. Deerfield, Mass. (1895) I. 283 That ye Town fort shall forthwith be Righted vp Voted affirmatively.
1787 G. Washington Diaries (1925) III. 173 The old fence round field No. 2 was righted up to keep creatures out of it.
1824 M. M. Sherwood Waste Not i. 10 There is a kitchen maid wanted, just to wash dishes, and right up the kitchen after the cook.
1856 Putnam's Monthly Mag. Aug. 132/1 I..went to work and righted up the room, which was about as shiftless as it could be.
1884 ‘M. Twain’ Adventures Huckleberry Finn xxxiii. 284 When he heard my voice, it righted him up some, but he warn't quite satisfied yet.
1907 Southwestern Rep. 102 32/2 After taking possession of the goods, interpleaders rearranged them, righted up the store, and gave out to the public that they were the owners and in possession.
1918 P. Worth Hope Trueblood xviii. 184 I righted up the little sitting room and stood wondering what way I should turn.
2000 G. Russell in E. Nisenson Making of Kind of Blue iv. 58 The band and I were in different tempos!.. Still, Ellington asked me if I wanted to join the band, so I must have righted up the tempo somewhere.
12. transitive (reflexive). To restore or return to a proper or normal condition. Cf. sense 7a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > amending > restoration > restore [verb (reflexive)]
right1633
the world > action or operation > amending > put right [verb (reflexive)]
right1833
1633 Match at Mid-night iv. i. sig. G4v Let me alone to right my selfe into the garbe of a Lady.
1833 H. Martineau Berkeley the Banker i. viii. 159 Convertibility ensures the ultimate balance of the currency,—provides that it shall right itself from time to time.
1867 A. Trollope Last Chron. Barset II. xlix. 51 Had he not resolved to go, things might even yet have righted themselves.
1891 W. Morris News from Nowhere x. 83 Of course, this invasion of the country was awkward to deal with, and would have created much misery..as it was, things soon righted themselves.
1913 J. Brandt Petticoat Commando 147 Patience and courage, everything will right itself.
1973 W. Ihimaera Tangi xx. 79 After a while I discovered that all I needed to do was remember Dad and my whanau, my big Maori family, and my world would right itself.
1991 A. A. Aidoo Changes i. 4 If it was His will, things would right themselves in the end.
V. To justify, vindicate, avenge.
13.
a. transitive. To do justice to or avenge (a person), make reparation to (a person) for a wrong done to them. Frequently to see someone righted, and reflexive. Now chiefly archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > amending > put right [verb (transitive)] > put right (a wrong or loss) > put right a wrong against (a person)
rightOE
amendc1300
remedy1414
redressc1450
repaira1578
disendamage1655
the world > action or operation > behaviour > reciprocal treatment or return of an action > revenge > execute (vengeance) [verb (transitive)] > avenge (a person)
wreakc950
rightOE
awreakc1275
vengec1325
avenge1377
revengea1470
wreck1570
the world > action or operation > behaviour > reciprocal treatment or return of an action > revenge > execute revenge [verb (reflexive)]
wreakc950
awreaka1250
vengea1340
avengec1380
wreche1398
revengec1425
right1598
requite1613
resent1618
OE Agreement between Bp. Wærferð & Æðelwold (Sawyer 1441) in F. E. Harmer Sel. Eng. Hist. Docs. 9th & 10th Cent. (1914) 24 Heo þa þær smeadan hu heo ryhtlicast heora þeodscipe..gehealdan mehton, & ec monige men ryhtan.., ge on londum ge on ma þara þinga þe heo on forhaldne weran.
c1350 Psalter (BL Add. 17376) in K. D. Bülbring Earliest Compl. Eng. Prose Psalter (1891) lxxxi. 3 (MED) Iugeþ þe nedeful and þe moderles; ryȝteþ [L. iustificate] þe meke and þe pouer.
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost v. ii. 717 I haue seene the day of wrong through the litle hole of discretion, and I will right my selfe like a Souldier. View more context for this quotation
1621 Sir D. Norton in Lismore Papers (1888) 2nd Ser. III. 24 I..do appeale to your own noblenes..to right me as you would be righted if my case were your own.
1645 J. Howell Epistolæ Ho-elianæ iii. xxii. 88 In case of non-performance,..to right himself by war.
1720 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad V. xix. 182 'Tis the chief Praise that e'er to Kings belong'd, To right with Justice, whom with Pow'r they wrong'd.
1736 J. Swift Legion Club in Irish Misc. 25 Bind them fast, or..They fly down to right themselves.
1782 E. Blower George Bateman II. 164 I'll see thee righted, or I'll know the reason why!
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth vii, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. III. 176 He that cannot right himself by the hand, must use his head.
1834 F. Marryat Peter Simple I. vi. 68 Mrs. Trotter..reminded him that he had the protection of Lord this and Sir Thomas that, who would see him righted.
1868 L. Stephen in Cornhill Mag. 17 307 In that case..the injured person would be always coming back to right himself.
1897 J. Conrad Nigger of ‘Narcissus’ iv. 83 ‘Never mind, Jim... We'll see you righted,’ called several together.
1942 M. E. Durham in New Statesman 17 Jan. 42/2 That we should see them both righted is urgently necessary if we wish to preserve—and deserve—our name as champion of the oppressed.
1959 Amer. Q. 11 362 After asking the audience to see him righted, Morse followed Captain Williams to the station house.
b. transitive. To justify, vindicate, rehabilitate. Chiefly reflexive. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > moral or legal constraint > immunity or exemption from liability > justification > justify oneself [verb (reflexive)]
right1629
society > morality > duty or obligation > moral or legal constraint > immunity or exemption from liability > justification > justify [verb (transitive)]
righteousOE
betell1048
justify?a1500
honest1598
warrant1671
righta1691
c1350 Psalter (BL Add. 17376) in K. D. Bülbring Earliest Compl. Eng. Prose Psalter (1891) cxlii. 2 (MED) Ich liuand ne shal nouȝ be riȝted in þy siȝt.
c1450 ( J. Walton tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Linc. Cathedral 103) 35 (MED) Wheþer..my dampnacioun Haþ righted hem þat traytores were proclamed?
?c1475 Catholicon Anglicum (BL Add. 15562) f. 104v To Right, iustificare.
1617 T. Heywood 1st Pt. Fair Maid iv. i I'll complain And right myself before the magistrate.
1629 F. Quarles Argalus & Parthenia i. 8 If my ruder tongue, To right it selfe, should doe your patience wrong.
a1691 R. Boyle Martyrdom Theodora (1703) xi. 181 Expressing more than she said, without injuring her Modesty she righted her Gratitude.
1714 T. Barnett Caveat against Tories 23 And leaves the party inform'd against, no other Way of righting himself, if he thinks he is wrong'd, than to bring an Action.
1785 J. Hatsell Precedents (ed. 2) I. v. 204 A Committee is accordingly appointed to prepare in writing, an address to the Lords for righting the Privileges of the Commons.
1821 T. Jefferson Autobiogr. 19 Mankind are more disposed to suffer while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.
1864 J. H. Burton Scot Abroad I. iii. 112 The most likely cause..was, the necessity felt by Bournezel to right himself at once at court.
1881 H. James Portrait of Lady I. xvi. 203 Her exclamation had put her slightly in the wrong, and after a moment she felt the need to right herself.
1914 F. Palmer Last Shot xi. 93 While I cannot right myself before the service, I should like to do something to right myself with my conscience.
†c. transitive. To avenge (a person) of (also against) an injury or other person, or against (also on, upon) another person. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > reciprocal treatment or return of an action > revenge > execute (vengeance) [verb (transitive)] > avenge (a person) > of or on an injury
wreak1340
right1605
1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de Faur Τετραστικα in tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. 688 Righting the weake, against th'vnrighteous Strong.
1625 N. Dounton in S. Purchas Pilgrimes I. iii. xii. 304 If that he refused to doe it, we might the better haue warrant, to right our selues vpon any Portugalls.
1639 T. May Julia Agrippina ii. 29 No feare shall make mee shrinke Till I have once more righted Claudius Against the lusts and treasons of a wife.
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xxx. 180 The rich and mighty, as poor and obscure persons, may be righted of the injuries done them.
1669 S. Pepys Diary 29 Jan. (1976) IX. 430 He..condemns him to pay both their victuals and wages, or right himself of the purser.
1672 J. Dryden Conquest Granada i. i. i. 9 My hands shall right your King on him I seize.
1694 J. Crowne Regulus i. 3 I'll try To right my Countrymen upon all of you.
1696 J. Tyrrell Gen. Hist. Eng. I. v. 296 The nature of that Rough and Martial Age, did allow Men a greater Liberty of righting themselves against those that had injured them.
1714 J. Ozell tr. Molière Miser v. iv, in tr. Molière Wks. IV. 59 A Gallows Sirrah shall right me on your Audaciousness.
14. transitive. To avenge (an injustice or injury); to redress or rectify (an injury, a wrong or mistaken action).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > amending > put right [verb (transitive)] > put right (a wrong or loss)
winc1220
righta1275
astorec1300
addressa1325
reform1405
dressc1410
redressa1413
arightc1420
refound1497
richa1500
redub1531
repair1533
to make good1569
reducec1592
remend1592
to set up1610
to get up1688
the world > action or operation > behaviour > reciprocal treatment or return of an action > revenge > execute (vengeance) [verb (transitive)] > avenge (an injury or injured person)
wreakc825
awreak1048
righta1275
wrackc1275
wrakec1275
venge1303
bewreakc1325
avenge1377
hevena1400
sella1400
revengec1425
countervenge1523
wrecka1593
redeem1598
vindicate1623
to pay off1749
a1275 (?c1200) Prov. Alfred (Trin. Cambr.) (1955) 130 (MED) Þe wronke ginne þu risten mid alle þine misten.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 3423 If..wurð ogt mis-don, Here stere..if he rigten it ne can, He taune it al his ouer-man, Ai so forð fro man to man, Til he it here ðe rigten can. If it ne mai or rigted ben, So sal it cumen to moysen.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 17096 (MED) He..send us space al of his grace, ur wranges here to right.
c1475 (c1399) Mum & Sothsegger (Cambr. Ll.4.14) (1936) Prol. l. 13 (MED) Henrri..rosse with him rapely to riȝtyn his wronge.
a1500 (?c1378) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 437 (MED) Many wrongis ben riȝtid þere.
1594 W. Shakespeare Titus Andronicus v. ii. 4 I am reuenge sent from belowe, To ioyne with him and right his hainous wrongs. View more context for this quotation
1620 tr. G. Boccaccio Decameron II. ix. vi. f. 125v If all should sleepe, yet I haue courage sufficient to right my wrong.
1642 T. Fuller Holy State v. vi. 381 He objects that none righteth the wrongs of Gods people.
a1702 W. Bagshaw Ess. on Union to Christ (1703) 228 It is Christ..who answereth all the Charges and Demands of wronged Justice, by his righting it.
1798 J. Jones Hobby Horses i. 11 Thus Chivalry's fair devotee..Strengthens the feeble, overpowers the strong, Resists all tyranny, and rights all wrong.
1816 W. Taylor in Monthly Mag. 41 527 'Twas well with England, when..Men dar'd to right their wrongs.
1876 ‘G. Eliot’ Daniel Deronda IV. vii. lvii. 156 There is no injury that could be righted in that way.
1920 F. S. Fitzgerald This Side of Paradise i. iv. 144 He doesn't believe that public swimming-pools and a kind word in time will right the wrongs of the world.
1987 E. Dunlop House on Hill (1990) xvii. 114 And he was sure that..his mother would want to see old wrongs righted, as much as he did.
1994 Canad. Def. Q. Mar. 32/1 The French-Canadian dimension remains a sadly neglected area. It is time to right the wrong.
VI. To turn to the right.
15. intransitive. Military. to right about: to perform a turn to the right through a hundred and eighty degrees. Also figurative. Now chiefly superseded by right-about-face v. Cf. right about n. 1a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > direction > in the direction that [phrase] > turn to face opposite direction
to the right about1635
to right about1778
right-about face1832
1778 R. B. Sheridan Camp ii. iii I wish I was ordered to right about.
1781 T. L. O'Beirne Generous Impostor v. i. 83 Then right about, Master Trimbush, make love to your conscience; marry your conscience.
1833 W. Brockedon Jrnls. Excursions in Alps xiii. 218 My able conductor was obliged to right about, through Caluso, and take the true route to Ivrea.
1863 F. W. Mix Let. in W.S. Rosecrans Rep. Battle Murfreesboro', Tenn. 545 I ordered them to right about which they did handsomely, not a man flinching or wavering in the least.
1907 J. H. Alexander Mosby's Men xiv. 160 When Glascock ordered D to charge, A righted about in their tracks and rushed out on the road, tail end first.
1936 J. Cary African Witch xxxiii. 440 The serpent saluted and right-about-ed.]
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2010; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

rightadv.

Brit. /rʌɪt/, U.S. /raɪt/
Forms:

α. Old English recte (Northumbrian), Old English reht (Northumbrian), Old English rehte (chiefly Anglian), Middle English recth, Middle English reeth, Middle English reghte, Middle English reȝt, Middle English reȝte, Middle English reith, Middle English reyt, Middle English reyth, Middle English–1500s reght, late Middle English rest (perhaps transmission error); Scottish pre-1700 rech, pre-1700 recht, pre-1700 reight, pre-1700 reycht.

β. Old English (rare)–Middle English rigte, Old English–Middle English rihte, Old English–Middle English ryht, Old English–Middle English ryhte, Old English–Middle English 1600s riht, late Old English hrihte, late Old English rihtæ, late Old English–Middle English rithte, early Middle English hrihtest (superlative, in a late copy), early Middle English richt, early Middle English richte, early Middle English rihht ( Ormulum), early Middle English riste, early Middle English ryct, Middle English rieht, Middle English riȝ, Middle English riȝht, Middle English riȝhte, Middle English rigt, Middle English riȝt, Middle English riȝte, Middle English rigth, Middle English riȝth, Middle English riȝtt, Middle English rihst, Middle English rihtte, Middle English rijȝt, Middle English rirȝt (probably transmission error), Middle English rist, Middle English rit, Middle English ritȝ, Middle English rith, Middle English rithe, Middle English ritht, Middle English riþt, Middle English ruyȝte, Middle English ryeth, Middle English ryȝght, Middle English ryggt, Middle English rygh, Middle English ryghȝt, Middle English ryȝht, Middle English rygt, Middle English ryȝt, Middle English rygte, Middle English ryȝte, Middle English rygth, Middle English ryȝthe, Middle English ryhcte, Middle English ryt, Middle English ryte, Middle English ryth, Middle English rythe, Middle English rythge, Middle English ryught, Middle English–1500s ryghth, Middle English–1500s ryȝth, Middle English–1500s (1700s– regional and nonstandard) rite, Middle English–1600s righte, Middle English–1600s ryghte, Middle English–1700s ryght, Middle English– right, late Middle English rigthet (transmission error), late Middle English rizt, 1500s riche; English regional 1700s reert (Devon), 1800s reit (Yorkshire), 1800s reyt (northern), 1800s– raight, 1800s– reeght (Yorkshire), 1800s– reet (northern), 1800s– reiet (Lincolnshire), 1800s– reight, 1800s– roight (chiefly midlands); U.S. regional 1900s– rat, 1900s– rate, 1900s– reet, 1900s– ret; Scottish pre-1700 rich, pre-1700 richte, pre-1700 richtt, pre-1700 righte, pre-1700 rigth, pre-1700 ritht, pre-1700 rych, pre-1700 rycht, pre-1700 ryght, pre-1700 ryghtt, pre-1700 ryicht, pre-1700 ryt, pre-1700 rytht, pre-1700 rytt, pre-1700 1700s– richt, pre-1700 1700s– right, 1800s reet (southern); also Irish English (northern) 1800s richt; N.E.D. (1909) also records forms late Middle English rich, late Middle English riche.

Origin: A word inherited from Germanic.
Etymology: Cognate with or formed similarly to Old Frisian riuchte (West Frisian rjocht ), Middle Dutch rechte , richte , rechte (Dutch recht ), Old Saxon rehto , reht (Middle Low German recht , rechte ), Old High German rehto (Middle High German rehte , reht , German recht ), Old Icelandic rétt , Old Swedish rät (Swedish rätt ), Danish ræt (Danish ret ) < the Germanic base of right adj. Compare also (with different adverbial suffix: see -s suffix1) Middle Dutch rechts (Dutch rechts ), Middle Low German rechtes , Old High German rehtes (Middle High German rehtes , German rechts ), now mostly with the meanings ‘at, on, or to the right-hand side’. Compare aright adv.
I. Senses relating to motion or position: straight, directly, immediately.
1.
a. In a direct course or line; straight. In later use chiefly with prepositions and adverbs.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > a straight course > [adverb]
forth847
righteOE
forthrighta1000
rightlyOE
anonOE
evenc1300
even-forthc1300
straight13..
streck13..
gainc1330
streckly1340
right fortha1382
straightly1395
evenly?c1400
outrightc1400
straightway1461
endlong1470
fair1490
directly1513
fulla1529
forth on1529
straightforth1530
directedly1539
aright?a1560
direct1568
endways1575
point-blank1607
progressivelya1716
unswervingly1805
straightforward1809
undeviatingly1812
undeviously1813
slap1829
arrow-straight1831
eOE King Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care (Hatton) (1871) xi. 65 Stæppað ryhte, ne healtigeað leng.
lOE King Ælfred tr. St. Augustine Soliloquies (Vitell.) (1922) i. 22 For ðam þingum is ðearf þæt þu rihte hawie mid modes æagum to gode swa rihte swa swa scipes ancerstreng byð aþenæd on gerihte fram þam scype to þam ancræ.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) 669 Heo ferden from Spaine riht toward Brutaine.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) 676 Neðelas Brutus..ferde riht [c1300 riþt] on his wei.
c1300 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Otho) 10091 Þanene he ferde forþ and droh him riht norþ.
c1400 (?a1300) Kyng Alisaunder (Laud) (1952) 1203 (MED) Her waye so riȝth hij nome Þat þai to þe cite come.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) x. 82 And thai that mycht eschap, perfay, Richt till ane vattir held thair vay.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 827/1 Ryght forthe, tout droyt auant.
?a1560 L. Digges Geom. Pract.: Pantometria (1571) i. xiv. sig. Div v Now go right from that staf some space at pleasure.
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) i. xiii. sig. I4 I thought nothing could shoot righter at the mark of my desires.
1611 Bible (King James) Prov. iv. 25 Let thine eyes looke right on, and let thine eye lids looke straight before thee. View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vi. 831 Hee on his impious Foes right onward drove. View more context for this quotation
1716 B. Church Entertaining Passages Philip's War i. 47 The Captain ordered one man to..show himself. Upon which the Indian ran right to him.
1725 J. Coats New Dict. Heraldry (rev. ed.) Rencontre, or au Rencontre, is a French Phrase signifying, that the Face of a Beast stands right forward, as if it came to meet the Person before it.
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson iii. vi. 345 We had a constant gale blowing right a-stern.
1817 W. Scott Rob Roy II. xi. 235 It was left to me, therefore, to do honour..to his tea, right from China.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. III. xii. 236 Then the Mountjoy took the lead, and went right at the boom.
1876 ‘G. Eliot’ Daniel Deronda I. i. ii. 30 She would be put into the ladies' compartment and go right on.
1884 Harper's Mag. Dec. 87/1 I'm going right home now.
1904 J. Conrad Nostromo iii. x. 416 The tiny, elusive dark speck, which, alone with the forms of the Three Isabels right ahead, appeared on the flat, shimmering emptiness of the gulf.
1955 C. G. Darwin in W. Pauli Niels Bohr & Devel. Physics 6 There were a few α-particles scattered through such broad angles, even right backwards, that no conceivable compound effect could possibly explain them.
2005 Apex Sci. Fiction & Horror Digest 23 She had to run right home after school every day to sit by Little Sister.
b. With up: upright, straight up, vertically. Cf. right v. 5, right-up adj. 1. Now regional.In quot. 1627 with reference to the position of a helm which keeps the rudder vertical.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > vertical position > [adverb]
downrightsa1170
downrightc1225
adownrightsc1275
righta1325
plumbc1425
perpendiculara1527
perpendicularly1555
endlong1600
plumb-wise1613
vertically1646
up and down1669
plumbly1931
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 1919 He hem adde is dremes told, Ðat is handful stod rigt up soren.
?c1425 Recipe in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (Arun. 334) (1790) 434 (MED) Dresse hit forthe, and almondes or paynes fryed..styk hom right up therin.
c1484 (a1475) J. de Caritate tr. Secreta Secret. (Takamiya) (1977) 150 (MED) Walke softly a thousand pacys, or ellis stonde ryght vppe.
a1500 (c1410) Dives & Pauper (Hunterian) (1976) i. 297 (MED) Þe watir stood in eyþir syde of hem riȝth up as a wal.
1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum at Bowghe Bowghes of trees or bushes whych do grow streight out, but not ryght vp.
1562 W. Turner 2nd Pt. Herball f. 114 v Rhamnus..hath twigges that grow right vp.
1594 T. Blundeville Exercises f. 51v That shadowe is called vmbra versa which proceedeth from some right style or pearch being thrust into a wall or post standing right vp and not leaning.
1627 J. Smith Sea Gram. ix. 37 Right your Helme, that is, to keepe it in the mid ships, or right vp.
1734 J. Rowning Compend. Syst. Nat. Philos. I. vii. 39 Since the Spectator imagines himself standing still, and sees the Body always perpendicularly over his head, he must of course think that it rises right up.
1779 Remembrancer 8 96 Lift your firelock right before you in a perpendicular posture, and with your right hand seize it just under the lock, still keeping it right up.
1854 A. E. Baker Gloss. Northants. Words II. 174 Right on end, Right up, upright.
1883 Atlantic Monthly May 628/1 We used to make caves in 'em that you could stand right up in.
1895 W. Rye Gloss. Words E. Anglia 178 Right up, adv. Upright. Ex. ‘Stand right up, boy!’
c. In the proper course; on the right path. Now rare and archaic.Now only in figurative context, overlapping with sense 11a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > [adverb] > in proper course
right1340
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 160 (MED) Þise zeue uirtues lokeþ and ledeþ wel riȝte and wel zikerliche þane gost of wytte.
c1390 in F. J. Furnivall Minor Poems Vernon MS (1901) ii. 497 Þou schalt..þi weyes wende þe Rihtore, Þorwh him þat mihtes may.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 25681 Þu lede þaim right þar þai ga wrang.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. l. 15036 He sailed day & on þe nyght, vmwhile boþe wrong & right [a1450 Lamb. ryught], tille he com vntille an ilde.
1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 45 To leide vs in his Law full richt.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. iv. 19 May seeme the wayne was very euill led When such an one had guiding of the way, That knew not, whether right he went, or else astray.
1611 Bible (King James) Ecclus. xlix. 9 He..directed them that went right . View more context for this quotation
1691 J. Dunton Voy. round World II. viii. 82 Hitherto I hope I have led you right, by my self keeping the right path.
1757 in Scots Mag. Apr. 188 The ship would never go right, if, when he was pulling the helm a-weather, the Captain should let another fellow stand by him and push it a-lee.
1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey I. 165 Looking back, and seeing her still standing in the door of the shop as if to look whether I went right or not—I returned back.
1843 T. Carlyle Past & Present iii. xiii. 285 Compel him to go a little righter.
1883 L. F. Ward Dynamic Sociol. II. 44 Men must orient themselves before they can expect to go right.
1910 Atlantic Monthly June 760 The ball never goes right.
1920 T. E. Beebe & F. M. Lehman Hatching Chickens vi. 39 If you would walk that way, you may. The good, old Book will lead us right.
2.
a. With prepositions: in a straight or direct course leading fully up to a place, person, or thing; all the way (to, into, round, through, etc.). Similarly with adverbs, as along (also back, down, on, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > direction > [adverb] > straight or due
rightOE
rightlyOE
evenc1300
plata1450
plain1509
straight1512
directly1513
fulla1529
flat1531
due?1574
dead1800
slap1829
plunk1866
squarely1883
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > a straight course > [adverb] > right up to a place
rightOE
the world > time > duration > [adverb] > for the whole time or duration
so long asa1387
right1568
howa1639
while-ever1777
OE Ælfric Lives of Saints (Julius) (1900) II. 240 On ane healfe þæs mynstres wæs an ormæte clif ascoren rihte adune.
lOE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) (Peterborough interpolation) anno 656 Ðas is se gife: fram Medeshamstede to Norðburh..& swa æl se feon riht to Esendic.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 6623 Þa kingess..Fundenn forrþrihht tatt steorrne leom Þatt ledde hemm rihht to criste.
c1330 (?c1300) Speculum Guy (Auch.) (1898) l. 254 (MED) To heuene he steih þurw his mihte, Riht in-to his faderes sihte.
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) 2569 (MED) Þe werwolf an huge hert hade hunted riȝt þider.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 3780 (MED) In slepe he sagh stand vp a sti Fra his heued right to [Gött. vp to] þe ski.
c1430 (c1386) G. Chaucer Legend Good Women (Cambr. Gg.4.27) (1879) l. 738 This wal..Was cloue a two ryght from the cop a-doun.
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll.) 473 Sir La Cote Male Tayle sanke ryght downe uppon the erthe.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 827/1 Ryght downe, tout droyt embas.
1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) II. 74 All the landis..Fra Forth streikand recht on to Eskis mouth.
1568 A. Scott Poems (1896) ix. 8 Quhen I behald it rycht till end.
1633 Bp. J. Hall Plaine Explic. Hard Texts i. 430 They moued all foure together; and went right on to the period appointed.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost x. 398 You two this way..right down to Paradise descend. View more context for this quotation
1758 S. Thompson Diary (1896) 8 I marched up to ye Lake with 10 men, and came back to the Halfway Brook, and right back to ye Lake again.
1766 W. Stork Acct. E.-Florida p. xviii The strong current that constantly runs from the east..right into the gulph of Mexico.
1836 R. Browning Johannes Agricola 2 There's heaven above, and night by night I look right through its gorgeous roof.
1865 J. Cameron Malayan India 75 The broad verandah which runs right round the house.
1880 ‘M. Twain’ Tramp Abroad xlii. 497 We tore right along, over rocks, rubbish, gullies, open fields.
1899 T. S. Baldock Cromwell 202 Goring..pushed a cavalry raid right up to Farnham.
1937 V. Woolf Years 314 The baby slept right through.
1993 T. Parker May Lord in His Mercy be Kind to Belfast (1994) iv. 51 He was in it right up to here.
2004 M. Hickey Irish Days 29/2 We climbed up and the jarvey set off and drove us right round the park.
b. Used for emphasis with adverbs and prepositions (as off, out, round, etc.): completely, totally, absolutely, fully.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > completeness > [adverb] > completely, quite, or absolutely
faira1325
quitec1330
full outa1382
straightly1395
absolutely?a1425
quitementa1450
rightc1450
twighta1500
cleara1522
plain1535
flat1577
sincerely1583
clever1664
cleverly1696
sublimely1722
square1862
quaite1864
fucking A1960
the world > space > extension in space > [adverb] > as far as or all the way
alleOE
right1770
c1450 (?a1400) Sege Melayne (1880) l. 329 At þe erthe he smate righte of his hede.
1561 B. Googe tr. ‘M. Palingenius’ Zodiake of Life (new ed.) vi. sig. P.viiv Death I am that with my sythe ryght downe do cut lyke hay All thynges that lyue vpon the earth.
1587 W. Bourne Arte of Shooting (new ed.) xvi. 59 It is verye good for you to haue long Ordnaunce to bee placed righte oute of the Sterne of the Shyppe.
1665 S. Pepys Diary 4 Dec. (1972) VI. 318 The King..hath justified my Lord Sandwich to the highest degree—and is right in his favour to the uttermost.
1682 tr. J. Goedaert Of Insects ii. 15 It eat halfe an hour together, when it once fell on, and being full it stretched it selfe right out.
a1734 R. North Life Sir D. North & Rev. J. North (1744) 199 Diverse stacks of Chimnies sunk right down, drawing Roof and Floors with them.
1770 C. Vyse Tutor's Guide i. iii. xvi. 83 How much more must his Muscles then draw to..have his Arm extended right out?
1848 J. R. Lowell Biglow Papers 1st Ser. ix. 125 To Funk right out o' p'lit'cal strife aint thought to be the thing.
1877 C. H. Spurgeon Serm. XXIII. 8 This looks to me like taking the door right off the hinges.
1894 H. Nisbet Bush Girl's Romance 115 We will, Captain, blot them right out.
1894 Idler Sept. 116 He's turned right round, and he's staring at her like anything.
1912 S. Locke Dawsons' Uncle George 79 When they want a burst, they hails a steamer, an' over here they comes an' lets themselves go. Blows themselves right out.
1954 R. Dahl Someone like You 45 He didn't hammer them right home; he allowed a small part of each one to stick up.
1997 A. Sivanandan When Memory Dies i. viii. 99 That put Para right off him.
2006 A. M. Foley Having my Say xiii. 68 Next thing I knew, I'd blown right out of my boots.
3.
†a. Immediately, straightaway, at once. Obsolete. Cf. right forth adv. 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > immediacy > [adverb]
soonc825
ratheeOE
rathelyeOE
rekeneOE
rekenlyOE
thereright971
anonOE
forth ona1000
coflyc1000
ferlyc1000
radlyOE
swiftlyc1000
unyoreOE
yareOE
at the forme (also first) wordOE
nowOE
shortlya1050
rightOE
here-rightlOE
right anonlOE
anonc1175
forthrightc1175
forthwithalc1175
skeetc1175
swithc1175
with and withc1175
anon-rightc1225
anon-rights?c1225
belivec1225
lightly?c1225
quickly?c1225
tidelyc1225
fastlyc1275
hastilyc1275
i-radlichec1275
as soon asc1290
aright1297
bedenea1300
in little wevea1300
withoute(n dwella1300
alrightc1300
as fast (as)c1300
at firstc1300
in placec1300
in the placec1300
mididonec1300
outrightc1300
prestc1300
streck13..
titec1300
without delayc1300
that stounds1303
rada1325
readya1325
apacec1325
albedenec1330
as (also also) titec1330
as blivec1330
as line rightc1330
as straight as linec1330
in anec1330
in presentc1330
newlyc1330
suddenlyc1330
titelyc1330
yernec1330
as soon1340
prestly1340
streckly1340
swithly?1370
evenlya1375
redelya1375
redlya1375
rifelya1375
yeplya1375
at one blastc1380
fresha1382
ripelyc1384
presentc1385
presently1385
without arrestc1385
readilyc1390
in the twinkling of a looka1393
derflya1400
forwhya1400
skeetlya1400
straighta1400
swifta1400
maintenantc1400
out of handc1400
wightc1400
at a startc1405
immediately1420
incontinent1425
there and then1428
onenec1429
forwithc1430
downright?a1439
agatec1440
at a tricec1440
right forth1440
withouten wonec1440
whipc1460
forthwith1461
undelayed1470
incessantly1472
at a momentc1475
right nowc1475
synec1475
incontinently1484
promptly1490
in the nonce?a1500
uncontinent1506
on (upon, in) the instant1509
in short1513
at a clap1519
by and by1526
straightway1526
at a twitch1528
at the first chop1528
maintenantly1528
on a tricea1529
with a tricec1530
at once1531
belively1532
straightwaysa1533
short days1533
undelayedly1534
fro hand1535
indelayedly1535
straight forth1536
betimesc1540
livelyc1540
upononc1540
suddenly1544
at one (or a) dash?1550
at (the) first dash?1550
instantly1552
forth of hand1564
upon the nines1568
on the nail1569
at (also in, with) a thoughtc1572
indilately1572
summarily1578
at one (a) chop1581
amain1587
straightwise1588
extempore1593
presto1598
upon the place1600
directly1604
instant1604
just now1606
with a siserary1607
promiscuously1609
at (in) one (an) instant1611
on (also upon) the momenta1616
at (formerly also on or upon) sight1617
hand to fist1634
fastisha1650
nextly1657
to rights1663
straightaway1663
slap1672
at first bolt1676
point-blank1679
in point1680
offhand1686
instanter1688
sonica1688
flush1701
like a thought1720
in a crack1725
momentary1725
bumbye1727
clacka1734
plumba1734
right away1734
momentarily1739
momentaneously1753
in a snap1768
right off1771
straight an end1778
abruptedly1784
in a whistle1784
slap-bang1785
bang?1795
right off the reel1798
in a whiff1800
in a flash1801
like a shot1809
momently1812
in a brace or couple of shakes1816
in a gird1825
(all) in a rush1829
in (also at, on) short (also quick) order1830
straightly1830
toot sweetc1830
in two twos1838
rectly1843
quick-stick1844
short metre1848
right1849
at the drop of a (occasionally the) hat1854
off the hooks1860
quicksticks1860
straight off1873
bang off1886
away1887
in quick sticks (also in a quick stick)1890
ek dum1895
tout de suite1895
bung1899
one time1899
prompt1910
yesterday1911
in two ups1934
presto changeo1946
now-now1966
presto change1987
OE Paris Psalter (1932) cxxxviii. 6 Gif ic on helle gedo hwyrft ænigne, þu me æt byst efne rihte.
c1275 (?c1250) Owl & Nightingale (Calig.) (1935) l. 1736 (MED) Lateþ beo & beoþ isome, An fareþ riht to oþer [read ower] dome.
c1300 (?c1225) King Horn (Cambr.) (1901) l. 381 (MED) He ȝeode in wel riȝte To Rymenhild þe briȝte.
c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Franklin's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 682 Vn to Dianes temple gooth she right.
a1425 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Linc. Inn) (1973) l. 1520 (MED) Whan hit was come to þe nyȝt, Wiþ Merlyn he mette ryȝt.
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) II. 732 Whan hit was day they were arayed all in grene... And ryght [so] thes foure knyghtes cam into the fylde endlynge and thorow.
?a1525 (?a1475) Play Sacrament l. 309 in N. Davis Non-Cycle Plays & Fragm. (1970) 67 xl. li. [printed forty pownd], and pay yt ful ryght, Evyn for þat Lorde sake.
b. With after: immediately following (an event, often a meal).Apparently unattested between the early 13th and the late 16th centuries and again between the late 16th and mid 18th centuries, when it was reintroduced (initially in North American English) probably as a spec. use of sense 3c.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > [adverb] > after, afterwards, or later > immediately afterwards
thereright971
rightc1175
anonc1225
at (the) nextc1275
hereuponc1385
nexta1387
thereona1400
thereupona1400
synea1425
sincec1450
nextly1572
whereon1600
OE Ælfric Catholic Homilies: 1st Ser. (Royal) (1997) iv. 214 Se Aristodemus..sealde him þone unlybban..& hi þærrihte æfter þam drence gewiton.]
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 2799 Rihht affterr þatt tin greting word. Wass cumenn i min ære Min child..onngann. To blissenn i min wambe.
1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis ii. 260 Thee whilst night darknesse right after soonset aproched.
1597 T. Beard Theatre Gods Iudgements ii. xliii. 431 Hieronymus..began right after the death of his father Hiero..to shew foorth his arrogancie.
1747 T. Mall's Hist. Martyrs II. 166 Right after the Chariot let there follow innumerable Multitudes of Men and Women of all Conditions.
1803 M. Curot Wisconsin Fur-trader's Jrnl. 12 Sept. in Wisconsin State Hist. Soc. Coll. (1911) 20 408 Right after dinner they came up and camped with us, and Drank The Rum I had given them.
1835 Ess. on Var. Subj. 52 I started about eight o'clock, right after breakfast.
1871 Appletons' Jrnl. 16 Dec. 697/2 I'll be down right after dinner—I never vote before.
1889 O. S. Fowler & L. N. Fowler Self-instruction in Phrenology & Physiol. 28 It is usually brought on by eating very fast right after working very hard.
1914 E. P. Stewart Lett. Woman Homesteader xx. 213 Right after Christmas Mr. Stewart came down with la grippe.
1964 J. Thompson Pop. 1280 xiii. 73 ‘Well, god-dang, gee-whillikins!’ I said. ‘And right after a severe blow to the economy!’
1989 B. Spock & M. Morgan Spock on Spock xvii. 203 The shades were always pulled down in the courtroom to show these films, which was done right after lunch: it was a soporific situation.
2005 D. Cowie Owen Noone & Marauder (front matter) Forty minutes of uninterrupted music start right after this commercial break.
c. Originally North American. Modifying adverbs and prepositions: immediately, without delay or hesitation. See also Phrases 1. Cf. straight adj. 2.right off the bat: see bat n.2 3d. to come right out with: see come v. Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > immediacy > [adverb]
soonc825
ratheeOE
rathelyeOE
rekeneOE
rekenlyOE
thereright971
anonOE
forth ona1000
coflyc1000
ferlyc1000
radlyOE
swiftlyc1000
unyoreOE
yareOE
at the forme (also first) wordOE
nowOE
shortlya1050
rightOE
here-rightlOE
right anonlOE
anonc1175
forthrightc1175
forthwithalc1175
skeetc1175
swithc1175
with and withc1175
anon-rightc1225
anon-rights?c1225
belivec1225
lightly?c1225
quickly?c1225
tidelyc1225
fastlyc1275
hastilyc1275
i-radlichec1275
as soon asc1290
aright1297
bedenea1300
in little wevea1300
withoute(n dwella1300
alrightc1300
as fast (as)c1300
at firstc1300
in placec1300
in the placec1300
mididonec1300
outrightc1300
prestc1300
streck13..
titec1300
without delayc1300
that stounds1303
rada1325
readya1325
apacec1325
albedenec1330
as (also also) titec1330
as blivec1330
as line rightc1330
as straight as linec1330
in anec1330
in presentc1330
newlyc1330
suddenlyc1330
titelyc1330
yernec1330
as soon1340
prestly1340
streckly1340
swithly?1370
evenlya1375
redelya1375
redlya1375
rifelya1375
yeplya1375
at one blastc1380
fresha1382
ripelyc1384
presentc1385
presently1385
without arrestc1385
readilyc1390
in the twinkling of a looka1393
derflya1400
forwhya1400
skeetlya1400
straighta1400
swifta1400
maintenantc1400
out of handc1400
wightc1400
at a startc1405
immediately1420
incontinent1425
there and then1428
onenec1429
forwithc1430
downright?a1439
agatec1440
at a tricec1440
right forth1440
withouten wonec1440
whipc1460
forthwith1461
undelayed1470
incessantly1472
at a momentc1475
right nowc1475
synec1475
incontinently1484
promptly1490
in the nonce?a1500
uncontinent1506
on (upon, in) the instant1509
in short1513
at a clap1519
by and by1526
straightway1526
at a twitch1528
at the first chop1528
maintenantly1528
on a tricea1529
with a tricec1530
at once1531
belively1532
straightwaysa1533
short days1533
undelayedly1534
fro hand1535
indelayedly1535
straight forth1536
betimesc1540
livelyc1540
upononc1540
suddenly1544
at one (or a) dash?1550
at (the) first dash?1550
instantly1552
forth of hand1564
upon the nines1568
on the nail1569
at (also in, with) a thoughtc1572
indilately1572
summarily1578
at one (a) chop1581
amain1587
straightwise1588
extempore1593
presto1598
upon the place1600
directly1604
instant1604
just now1606
with a siserary1607
promiscuously1609
at (in) one (an) instant1611
on (also upon) the momenta1616
at (formerly also on or upon) sight1617
hand to fist1634
fastisha1650
nextly1657
to rights1663
straightaway1663
slap1672
at first bolt1676
point-blank1679
in point1680
offhand1686
instanter1688
sonica1688
flush1701
like a thought1720
in a crack1725
momentary1725
bumbye1727
clacka1734
plumba1734
right away1734
momentarily1739
momentaneously1753
in a snap1768
right off1771
straight an end1778
abruptedly1784
in a whistle1784
slap-bang1785
bang?1795
right off the reel1798
in a whiff1800
in a flash1801
like a shot1809
momently1812
in a brace or couple of shakes1816
in a gird1825
(all) in a rush1829
in (also at, on) short (also quick) order1830
straightly1830
toot sweetc1830
in two twos1838
rectly1843
quick-stick1844
short metre1848
right1849
at the drop of a (occasionally the) hat1854
off the hooks1860
quicksticks1860
straight off1873
bang off1886
away1887
in quick sticks (also in a quick stick)1890
ek dum1895
tout de suite1895
bung1899
one time1899
prompt1910
yesterday1911
in two ups1934
presto changeo1946
now-now1966
presto change1987
1758 S. Thompson Diary 23 July in S. Sewall Hist. Woburn (1868) App. ix. 551 I thought that they would have risen and marched right off.
1783 in Amer. Hist. Rev. (1872) 1 338/1 I should be glad I cood come Rite home with my slaves, for my vessel will not last to proceed farr.
1833 A. Fergusson Pract. Notes Tour Canada & U.S. 229 If a steward or a cabin-boy wishes to be very civil and smart, he assures you that he is going right up or right off to do your errand.
1849 H. W. Longfellow Kavanagh xxix If you don't go right about your business, I will come down.
1852 H. B. Stowe Uncle Tom's Cabin II. xix. 28 Poor fellow! he was taken, right after, and there was no saving him.
1852 H. B. Stowe Uncle Tom's Cabin II. xxii. 59 I 'll go right in the house, for paper and ink.
1885 W. D. Howells Rise Silas Lapham xix. 341 ‘Send her right up. And I shall feel—’ She stopped to spare him.
1901 Munsey's Mag. 24 800/1 Yes, I'll be right down.
1955 ‘J. Christopher’ Year of Comet iii. 108 Find yourself a drink. I'll be right up.
1972 ‘T. Coe’ Don't lie to Me vii. 70 ‘We're all set, Dan.’ He looked at her in surprise, as though he'd never seen her before, and then said, ‘Fine, be right with you.’
1995 K. Ishiguro Unconsoled xii. 174 Well right from the start, some of them..they weren't at all sure whether to believe it or not.
2003 S. Mawer Fall (2004) xvi. 251 Meg smiled and asked whether the boys minded just letting them be alone for a sec. ‘Just a sec. Girl talk. We'll be right with you.’
II. Senses used for emphasis: exactly, precisely, very.
4.
a. Precisely, exactly, just; altogether, thoroughly, to the full. Now chiefly colloquial and regional.In Middle English and Older Scots poetry sometimes used at the end of a line simply to complete a rhyme (compare quots. a1325, a1522).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > completeness > [adverb] > entirely, altogether, or completely
righteOE
allingOE
outlyOE
allOE
throughoutlyc1175
allingsa1225
throughouta1225
thoroughc1225
albedenec1300
outc1300
quitelyc1330
all-whollya1375
most widelya1382
all wholea1393
all-thinga1398
algate?a1400
algatesc1405
thoroughly1442
mainly1550
outrighta1560
outrightly1642
solely1710
teetotally1832
bodaciously1833
teetotaciously1833
orl1864
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > freedom from error, correctness > exactness, accuracy, precision > [adverb]
rightlyeOE
righteOE
evenOE
evenlya1225
redlyc1275
justicelya1375
justilya1375
justlya1375
redilya1375
trulya1375
properlya1382
precisec1392
preciselyc1392
truec1392
straitlya1395
leala1400
arightc1405
by linec1420
justlyc1425
featlya1450
rule-righta1450
to the letter?1495
exquisitely1526
evenliklya1530
very1530
absolutely1538
jump1539
just1568
accurately1581
punctually1581
jumplya1586
arights1596
just so1601
plumb1601
compassly1606
nicelya1616
squarely1626
justa1631
adequately1632
mathematicallya1638
critically1655
exquisitively1660
just1665
pointedly1667
faithfully1690
correctlya1704
jus1801
jest1815
jes1851
neat1875
cleanly1883
on the nose1883
smack-dab1892
spot on1920
forensically1974
eOE tr. Orosius Hist. (BL Add.) (1980) ii. iv. 43 Seo burg wæs getimbred an fildum lande..& heo is swiþe ryhte feowerscyte.
OE Rules for Finding Age of Moon (Vitell.) in H. Henel Stud. zum Altenglischen Computus (1934) 55 Þonne bið he [sc. se mona] rihte swa eald, swa þæra twegra cw[y]da getæl bið.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 414 Eȝȝþerr heore ȝede swa. Rihht affterr godess lare.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 2951 Ðis wreche in al egypte rigt Lestede fulle seuene nigt.
c1405 (c1387–95) G. Chaucer Canterbury Tales Prol. (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 804 I wol my self goodly wit yow ryde Right at myn owene cost.
?a1430 T. Hoccleve Mother of God l. 125 in Minor Poems (1970) i. 56 Vn-to oon of yow seide he Right in this wyse.
c1450 (c1415) in W. O. Ross Middle Eng. Serm. (1940) 126 (MED) Ryght þe same body þat died on þe Crosse..is on þe Sacrament on þe awtur in forme of brede.
a1522 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid (1959) viii. ii. 133 Evander... Hys eyn hys mowth and all hys body rycht Gan to behald.
1551 R. Record Pathway to Knowl. i. Defin. Other their corners bee all sharpe,..other ij. sharpe and one right square.
1601 B. Jonson Every Man in his Humor v. i. sig. K3v My wife hath spoyld her, She takes right after her. View more context for this quotation
1633 T. Heywood Eng. Traveller iii. i To talk of borrowing, lending, and of use! The usurer's language right.
1688 T. D'Urfey Fool's Preferment ii. i. 25 Methinks your Worship does not look right like a Country Gentleman.
1737 A. Ramsay Coll. Scots Prov. xv. 30 He that speaks with a Drawnt and fells with a Cant, Is right like a Snake in the Skin of a Saint.
1810 Monthly Reg. Feb. 134 A Prince who invades the rights of his subjects shall forfeit his own,..he shall suffer right the same as the meanest subject.
1899 G. Greig Logie o' Buchan v I like Jamie Robertson richt.
1900 Rep. Sel. Com. War Office Contracts 279 in Parl. Papers IX The quality is right the same throughout.
2008 L. Griffin Thread of Fear 146 ‘And John is..?’ ‘Jack's daddy. Cotton farmer. He was a hardworking, hardheaded SOB, and Jack takes right after him.’
b. Modifying as (†also) and so. Now archaic and rare.
ΚΠ
OE Rule St. Benet (Corpus Cambr.) lxxii. 131 Ealswa yfel biternesse anda and æfst ascyred [read ascyreð] fram Gode.., ealrihte swa god anda and anhering ascyreð fram synna leahtrum.
lOE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1127 Þær he wunede eallriht swa drane doð on hiue.]
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 1188 Ure laferrd..Toc þildiliȝ..Þatt mann himm band..Rihht all swa summ þe shep onnfoþ..þatt mann itt clippeþþ.
a1225 MS Lamb. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 67 (MED) Ure fond..fondede god solf..and his apostles riht al swa.
?c1335 in W. Heuser Kildare-Gedichte (1904) 94 (MED) Riȝt as he com he sal wend, In wo and pine and pouerte.
c1430 (c1386) G. Chaucer Legend Good Women (Cambr. Gg.4.27) (1879) l. 1555 If ony fals louere be Ryth as hym self doth rygh so dede he.
c1450 (a1400) Libeaus Desconus (Calig. A.ii) (1969) l. 1080 (MED) Þey tok har way..Ryȝt as þe dwerk hem kende.
c1475 (c1399) Mum & Sothsegger (Cambr. Ll.4.14) (1936) ii. l. 143 (MED) Rith as þe hous-hennes..cherichen her chekonys..Ryth so þe hende egle..Hasteth him..to houyn his bryddis.
1483 ( tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage of Soul (Caxton) (1859) iv. xxix. 62 Euery good kynge is..knowen therby, ryght as a man is knowen by his visage.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) 1 Kings vi. 35 So made he also..palme trees and floures, right as it was appoynted.
1572 in C. P. Stewart Hist. Mem. Stewarts of Fothergill (1870) 103 To be haldin of him self..and rychsua to be haldin of his immediat superiour.
1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie i. xix. 31 Right so no kinde of argument..doth better perswade..then example.
1615 H. Crooke Μικροκοσμογραϕια 401 Right so is it (sayth he) in the heart of a man the heate boyleth vp the bloud.
1633 Bp. J. Hall Plaine Explic. Hard Texts i. 594 Right so as God threatened to deale with us according to our doings, even so hath he done.
1648 H. Hexham Groot Woorden-boeck Recht of het soo ware, right as if it were so.
1705 London Gaz. No. 4118/4 Pure Venice-Treacle, in Tin Pots, right as it came over.
1735 Sportsman's Dict. I. at Chest-Traps The little stick may have one end in the notch T of your tricker, and the other end in the hole X, and then is your trap or engine set right as it should be.
1827 W. Tennant Papistry Storm'd 150 Richt sae the freir i' th' ether whummlet In supersault, than erthlins tummlet.
1871 D. G. Rossetti Staff & Scrip ix Right so, he knew that he saw weep Each night through every dream The Queen's own face.
1914 M. J. Cawein Poet & Nature 176 He squatted, grinning, in the broad, bright noon, Humming a small-gnat's tune. And ho! Right so He eyed me, hide and hair.
5. Modifying temporal adverbs and prepositional phrases.
a. As postmodifier, esp. in now right. See also anon-right adv., here-right adv., thereright adv. Now regional.
ΚΠ
OE (Northumbrian) Lindisf. Gospels: Matt. xxvi. 53 An putas quia non possum rogare patrem meum et exhibebit mihi modo plusquam duodecim legiones angelorum : ða ðu talas uel woenæs ðu þæt ic ne mæge gebidda fader min & gewunna uel sella me nu reht forðor uel mæ ðon tuelf hergas engla.
OE Blickling Homilies 225 Swa eac þes eadiga wer miccle ær beforan þone dæg wiste his forðfore.., & he þæt þæm broðrum sægde, þæt hit ða rihte wære þæt he of ðisse worlde sceolde.
OE Old Eng. Hexateuch: Exod. (Claud.) ix. 19 Soðlice send nu rihte [L. ergo iam nunc] & gegadera ealle þine nytenu.
c1300 (?c1225) King Horn (Cambr.) (1901) l. 45 And þe selue riȝt anon, Ne schaltu todai henne gon.
c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) 7972 Þis tueye breþeren gode frend were þo riȝt.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) 19651 (MED) Noȝt he ete þre daies riȝt.
a1450 St. Edith (Faust.) (1883) l. 2772 (MED) Hit is for Joy..of a sweuene þat y haue mette now ryȝt.
c1450 (c1380) G. Chaucer House of Fame (Fairf. 16) (1878) l. 1157 There [read they] were As fressh as men had writen hem here The selfe day ryght.
c1598 in W. W. Skeat Compl. Wks. G. Chaucer (1897) VII. xx. 370 Forth they yede togider, twain and twain, That to behold, it was a worldly sight, Toward the ladies on the grenë plain, That song and daunced, as I sayd now right.
1634 T. Heywood & R. Brome Late Lancashire Witches iii. sig. H4 And I thought it would ma' Parnel, love me i'd be sure on't, and gang about it now right.
1746 P. Locke Exmoor Scolding in Gentleman's Mag. July 354/1 Tha toldst ma now-reert, or a whilere, of Rigging and Rumping.
1790 F. Grose Provinc. Gloss. (ed. 2) Suppl. at Now-reert Now-right. Just now.
1888 F. T. Elworthy W. Somerset Word-bk. at Now-right I'll do un away vor ee now-right, avore I goes to dinner.
b. As premodifier, esp. in †right anon, right now, right then, †right tho: just or exactly now (then, etc.); (hence colloquial) immediately, without delay, at this (also that) very moment. Frequently in combination with sense 6b (expressing time and place) in right then and there, right there and then.Apparently unattested between the mid 17th and late 19th centuries: cf. note at sense 3b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > immediacy > [adverb]
soonc825
ratheeOE
rathelyeOE
rekeneOE
rekenlyOE
thereright971
anonOE
forth ona1000
coflyc1000
ferlyc1000
radlyOE
swiftlyc1000
unyoreOE
yareOE
at the forme (also first) wordOE
nowOE
shortlya1050
rightOE
here-rightlOE
right anonlOE
anonc1175
forthrightc1175
forthwithalc1175
skeetc1175
swithc1175
with and withc1175
anon-rightc1225
anon-rights?c1225
belivec1225
lightly?c1225
quickly?c1225
tidelyc1225
fastlyc1275
hastilyc1275
i-radlichec1275
as soon asc1290
aright1297
bedenea1300
in little wevea1300
withoute(n dwella1300
alrightc1300
as fast (as)c1300
at firstc1300
in placec1300
in the placec1300
mididonec1300
outrightc1300
prestc1300
streck13..
titec1300
without delayc1300
that stounds1303
rada1325
readya1325
apacec1325
albedenec1330
as (also also) titec1330
as blivec1330
as line rightc1330
as straight as linec1330
in anec1330
in presentc1330
newlyc1330
suddenlyc1330
titelyc1330
yernec1330
as soon1340
prestly1340
streckly1340
swithly?1370
evenlya1375
redelya1375
redlya1375
rifelya1375
yeplya1375
at one blastc1380
fresha1382
ripelyc1384
presentc1385
presently1385
without arrestc1385
readilyc1390
in the twinkling of a looka1393
derflya1400
forwhya1400
skeetlya1400
straighta1400
swifta1400
maintenantc1400
out of handc1400
wightc1400
at a startc1405
immediately1420
incontinent1425
there and then1428
onenec1429
forwithc1430
downright?a1439
agatec1440
at a tricec1440
right forth1440
withouten wonec1440
whipc1460
forthwith1461
undelayed1470
incessantly1472
at a momentc1475
right nowc1475
synec1475
incontinently1484
promptly1490
in the nonce?a1500
uncontinent1506
on (upon, in) the instant1509
in short1513
at a clap1519
by and by1526
straightway1526
at a twitch1528
at the first chop1528
maintenantly1528
on a tricea1529
with a tricec1530
at once1531
belively1532
straightwaysa1533
short days1533
undelayedly1534
fro hand1535
indelayedly1535
straight forth1536
betimesc1540
livelyc1540
upononc1540
suddenly1544
at one (or a) dash?1550
at (the) first dash?1550
instantly1552
forth of hand1564
upon the nines1568
on the nail1569
at (also in, with) a thoughtc1572
indilately1572
summarily1578
at one (a) chop1581
amain1587
straightwise1588
extempore1593
presto1598
upon the place1600
directly1604
instant1604
just now1606
with a siserary1607
promiscuously1609
at (in) one (an) instant1611
on (also upon) the momenta1616
at (formerly also on or upon) sight1617
hand to fist1634
fastisha1650
nextly1657
to rights1663
straightaway1663
slap1672
at first bolt1676
point-blank1679
in point1680
offhand1686
instanter1688
sonica1688
flush1701
like a thought1720
in a crack1725
momentary1725
bumbye1727
clacka1734
plumba1734
right away1734
momentarily1739
momentaneously1753
in a snap1768
right off1771
straight an end1778
abruptedly1784
in a whistle1784
slap-bang1785
bang?1795
right off the reel1798
in a whiff1800
in a flash1801
like a shot1809
momently1812
in a brace or couple of shakes1816
in a gird1825
(all) in a rush1829
in (also at, on) short (also quick) order1830
straightly1830
toot sweetc1830
in two twos1838
rectly1843
quick-stick1844
short metre1848
right1849
at the drop of a (occasionally the) hat1854
off the hooks1860
quicksticks1860
straight off1873
bang off1886
away1887
in quick sticks (also in a quick stick)1890
ek dum1895
tout de suite1895
bung1899
one time1899
prompt1910
yesterday1911
in two ups1934
presto changeo1946
now-now1966
presto change1987
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > freedom from error, correctness > exactness, accuracy, precision > [adverb] > exactly so, just > of time
evenOE
rightlOE
very1530
lOE King Ælfred tr. St. Augustine Soliloquies (Vitell.) (1922) i. 47 Gelyf me..ðæt rihte on þære ylcan tyde [L. eodem momento, eodem puncto temporis] þu wast æall þæt ðu nu wilnast to witanne.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 11046 Iesu crist wass fullhtnedd. Rihht o þatt daȝȝ upp o þe ȝer Þatt twellfte daȝȝ iss nemmnedd.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 45 Heo þet wes richt þa iwracht wið godes honden.
c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) 1038 (MED) Þe iustise..swore ded sche schuld ben Riȝt anon bi Heuen-quen.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) Prol. 829 (MED) So stant this world now everydiel Departed; which began riht tho Whan Rome was divided so.
a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) 5913 (MED) He asked leue ryȝt now late And went furþ out at þe ȝate.
c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) 431 Riȝt in þe dawyng of day, a diuinour he callis.
c1475 Mankind (1969) 255 (MED) He was here ryght now.
c1480 (a1400) St. Paul 298 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 37 Mony ane Richt þane þe cristine treutht has tane.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) John ix. 27 He answered them I tolde you right now.
1594 O. B. Questions Profitable Concernings 9 b Wit, arte, and counsell, which you spake of right now.
1624 W. Bedell Copies Certaine Lett. xi. 139 Haue you forgotten what you said right now?
1640 T. Fuller Joseph's Coat 76 Right at this time, there raged and raigned in the Church of Corinth, an Epidemicall disease.
1897 E. W. Hamilton Outlaws of Marches xi. 130 I can put my hand on the quean right now.
1932 W. Faulkner Light in August xv. 332 He was pure crazy.., calling them cowards because they wouldn't take the nigger out of jail and hang him right then and there.
1948 ‘N. Shute’ No Highway iv. 82 He's not the only passenger that's in a nervous state right now.
1957 New Yorker 2 Nov. 68/3 Explaining that she had to go back to the hotel herself right then to get dressed..she returned to the car.
1975 R. L. Simon Wild Turkey (1976) i. 2 We'd better start right now.
1996 T. Parker Violence of our Lives iii. 115 After that she'd turn again, and be a sex kitten sort of femme fatale who wanted to make love right there and then on the floor.
2003 B. Trapido Frankie & Stankie vii. 134 Thousands of black South Africans have right then got the government shaking in its shoes.
6.
a. Modifying adverbs and prepositional phrases expressing place, as right at, right in, right on, etc. Precisely, exactly, quite; directly, fully. Cf. (right) on the button at button n. Phrases 12.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > freedom from error, correctness > exactness, accuracy, precision > [adverb] > exactly so, just > of place
righteOE
evenc1300
very1530
eOE tr. Orosius Hist. (BL Add.) (1980) i. i. 12 Ryhte be eastan him [sc. the Bavarians] sindon Bæme.
OE Byrhtferð Enchiridion (Ashm.) (1995) ii. i. 72 On þam feorðan dæge..on ærnemergen þæs dæges uparas seo beorhte sunne riht on eastende þære heofon.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 6554 Te laferrd iesu crist. Wass borenn..Rihht i þe land off ȝerrsalæm.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) 781 Þa brac þat sweord in his hond, riht bi þere hilte.
c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) 2495 Sket cam a ladde with a knif And bigan Rith at þe to For to ritte.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 1604 He lay bi luzan ut on nigt, A ston under hise heued rigt.
c1390 (c1300) MS Vernon Homilies in Archiv f. das Studium der Neueren Sprachen (1877) 57 273 (MED) His Arwes ful euene smat Riht on þe Olde Mon.
a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 3076 Ryght nygh the bothom [read botoun] pullede he A leef all grene.
tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) iv. 27 Into the lond let synke A reed right by.
1481 W. Caxton tr. Siege & Conqueste Jerusalem (1893) clxxiii. 256 In theyr comyng on they toke the barbycannes that were right ayenst them.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Josh. viii. C He made haist..to mete Israel..euen righte before the felde.
1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie iii. i. 115 Vpon a Ladies lips, or right in the center of her cheekes.
1645 J. Milton L'Allegro in Poems 33 Right against the Eastern gate, Wher the great Sun begins his state.
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. i. ii. 18 The Wind is right in our teeth.
1723 D. Defoe Hist. Col. Jack (ed. 2) 100 He was set right against me.
1775 B. Romans Conc. Nat. Hist. E. & W. Florida App. 28 Right abreast of this spot..is a very fine anchorage.
1816 J. Wilson City of Plague ii. iii. 55 Sitting..Right o'er St. Paul's Cathedral.
1830 Ladies' Repository 5 409/1 Right opposite the door, leading to the entry, stood the box at which she was engaged, down on her knees.
1891 C. E. Norton tr. Dante Divine Comedy I. xxviii. 156 When it was right at the foot of the bridge, it lifted its arm high.
1913 J. Conrad Chance i. i. 11 The first thing I saw right in front of me were three middle-aged men.
1971 K. Awoonor This Earth, my Brother xii. 152 These latrines are ever full. Those in a hurry take a shit right on the floor.
1991 Star-Ledger (Newark, New Jersey) 8 Dec. v. 12/3 We really couldn't run any reverses or anything on the muddy field. We had to run right at them.
b. Modifying here (also there). In exactly this (or that) place, in this (or that) very spot. In later use (originally U.S.) frequently, with admixture of temporal component (see sense 5b), in right then and there, right there and then at sense 5b. Cf. here-right adv., thereright adv.Apparently unattested between the late 16th and mid 19th centuries: cf. note at sense 3b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > position or situation > [adverb] > exactly (in a certain position)
righta1225
meet1543
plumb1701
spang1843
smack-dab1892
bung1899
bang1924
slap-dab1949
slap-bang1963
a1225 (c1200) Vices & Virtues (1888) 145 (MED) Þinc swilch he bie riht ðar to-foren ðe.
c1300 St. Thomas Becket (Laud) l. 126 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 110 (MED) Heo scholde Icristned beo riȝt þare.
1399 Rolls of Parl.: Henry IV (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1399 1st Roll §59. m. 17 On moneday..ryght here in this chaumbre..ye renounsed..the state of kyng.
c1405 (c1385) G. Chaucer Knight's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 1761 As forward was right there he moste abyde.
a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail xii. 329 (MED) Thanne took the kyng his leve Ryht there.
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende 442 b/2 Ryght there he retourneth hymself and salueth the peple.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin 202 (MED) Right here seith the frensch booke that, [etc.].
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 822/2 Ryght there, droyctement la.
c1580 ( tr. Bk. Alexander (1925) I. i. 2976 For I sall ȝou richt heir abyde.
1846 C. G. Finney Lect. Systematic Theol. 80 Right here it will be well to inquire into the ground of the mistake of rightarians.
1861 O. W. Norton Army Lett. (1903) 25 Our camp is right there on the scene of the skirmish.
1893 A. Fuller Lit. Courtship x. 98 I may as well say, right here, that I, for my part, had a rousing good time.
1896 Westm. Gaz. 2 Jan. 3/1 ‘I got on the trail right there,’ pursued Mr. Stanley, with a momentary relapse into American idiom.
1902 W. James Varieties Relig. Experience ix. 202 I made up my mind that I would be saved or die right there.
1948 W. H. Auden Age of Anxiety v. 116 He'll be right there With His Eye upon me.
1987 J. Hodgins Honorary Patron (1989) iv. 266 A bag of Murchie's orange spice tea, blended right here on this island.
1995 P. McCabe Dead School (1996) 146 They called it off right there and then and went home.
2000 S. Heighton Shadow Boxer iii. v. 333 How I was thinking..is we just leave the drums right here on the sand to buy us some freeboard and head home, right now.
7. As an intensifier: very. Cf. full adj. 1.
a. With adverbs: very, extremely, quite. Now usually in nonstandard and regional use, or archaic in right royally.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > high or intense degree > [adverb] > very
tooc888
swith971
wellOE
wellOE
fullOE
rightc1175
muchc1225
wellac1275
gainlya1375
endlyc1440
hard?1440
very1448
odda1500
great1535
jolly1549
fellc1600
veryvery1649
gooda1655
vastly1664
strange1667
bloody1676
ever so1686
heartily1727
real1771
precious1775
quarely1805
murry1818
très1819
freely1820
powerfula1822
gurt1824
almighty1830
heap1832
all-fired1833
gradely1850
real1856
bonny1857
heavens1858
veddy1859
canny1867
some1867
oh-so1881
storming1883
spanking1886
socking1896
hefty1898
velly1898
fair dinkum1904
plurry1907
Pygmalion1914
dinkum1915
beaucoup1918
dirty1920
molto1923
snorting1924
honking1929
hellishing1931
thumpingly1948
way1965
mega1966
mondo1968
seriously1970
totally1972
mucho1978
stonking1990
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 6281 Þuss mihht tu ledenn her þatt lif. Rihht wel wiþþ godess hellpe.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 20 (MED) Þench riȝt wel ine þine herte hou ofte þe hest y-do þe ilke zenne.
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) 1426 (MED) Þe messageres riȝt realy were arayde.
a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) 3292 (MED) Y dyghte my heuede ryȝt moche with pryde.
a1450 (?c1350) Pride of Life l. 438 in N. Davis Non-Cycle Plays & Fragm. (1970) 103 (MED) Det wol cum rit son.
c1475 (c1399) Mum & Sothsegger (Cambr. Ll.4.14) (1936) Prol. l. 16 (MED) Thus tales me troblid..And amarride my mynde rith moche.
1477 Earl Rivers tr. Dictes or Sayengis Philosophhres (Caxton) (1877) lf. 1v He trusted I shuld lyke it right wele.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xv. 82 Schir Iohne steward..Wes voundit throu the body thair With a sper that richt scharply schair.
?1504 S. Hawes Example of Vertu sig. aa.vv Though thou ryght hy do oft assende.
1536 in W. Fraser Douglas Bk. (1885) IV. 144 I commende me righte hartely unto your good lordshipe.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. x. sig. I6 A gentle Squyre..Right cleanly clad in comely sad attyre.
1600 J. Pory tr. J. Leo Africanus Geogr. Hist. Afr. iii. 165 I know right well how tedious I haue beene in the description of this citie.
1620 tr. G. Boccaccio Decameron I. v. i. f. 180 He requested of his Father, that he might be habited and respected like to his other Brethren, whereto right gladly he condiscended.
1663 S. Butler Hudibras: First Pt. i. ii. 144 To him the Squire right nimbly run.
1742 W. Shenstone School-mistress xii Right well she knew each Temper to descry.
1785 W. Cowper Task vi. 662 The simple clerk..did rear right merrily, two staves.
1826 B. Disraeli Vivian Grey II. iii. iv. 40 The portrait of him she loved right dearly.
a1862 H. D. Thoreau Yankee in Canada (1866) v. 93 I should like still right well to make a longer excursion on foot.
1885 Mag. Art Sept. 452/1 They conquered it right royally.
1891 W. B. Yeats Let. Apr. (1954) 167 The ‘proofs’ of the Blake book are coming in... The illustrations look right well.
1954 Manch. Guardian Weekly 5 Aug. 12/3 Sometimes..there is a fight. If the incident takes place in a public-house it is often worse. ‘It's broken bottles right fast; and, brother, I get out.’
1981 P. Mallory Killing Matter ix. 97 Cale was doing right well for himself.
1998 Transport News Aug. 66/1 The Methil haulage contractors entertained customers and suppliers right royally in the ‘Kingdom’.
b. With adjectives. Very, extremely, fully, completely. Now usually in nonstandard and regional use, or archaic in right royal.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > completeness > [adverb]
fullyeOE
allesOE
fullOE
rightc1175
everydealc1300
wholec1300
whollya1325
finelyc1330
fairly1340
completec1374
gainlya1375
clearly1377
freelya1393
plaina1393
entire?a1400
entirelyc1400
oddlyc1400
sufficientlyc1440
expressc1475
totally1509
completely1526
finec1530
exactly?1531
sincerely1576
start1599
fillingly1611
circularly1618
solid1651
out-over1745
rotundly1775
roundedly?1802
whole hog1840
clear-away1883
whole cloth1917
righteous1948
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 639 [Christ was] offrinng lac rihht god inoh..To lesenn mann kinn þurrh hiss dæþ. Vt off þe deofless walde.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 5563 Þe sexte ȝife off haliȝ gast Iss an rihht god reowwsunnge.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 220 His [sc. Satan's] heaued is ihacked of & he islein iþe mon, son se he is eauer richt sari for his sunnen.
a1382 Prefatory Epist. St. Jerome in Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1959) i. 4 To me þi lytyll ȝiftis..haþ Ibrouȝt..riȝt swete lettreȝ.
?c1400 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (BL Add. 10340) (1868) i. pr. v. l. 569 Hast þou forȝeten þilke ryȝt olde [L. antiquissimam] lawe of þi Citee?
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll.) 1052 Whan ye have bene in ryght grete daungers, he hath succoured you.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) x. 84 Ane vattir..That..wes rycht styth, bath deip & wyde.
1521 W. Warham Let. 8 Mar. in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1846) 3rd Ser. I. 239 I doubt not but it is to your good Grace right pensiful hearing.
1589 J. Lyly Pappe with Hatchet sig. C2v At his table, where he sate..right like a superintendant.
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III i. ii. 231 That braue Prince..Young, valiant, wise, and no doubt right royall.
1611 B. Jonson Catiline ii. sig. E1v I should be right sorry To haue the meanes so to be veng'd on you. View more context for this quotation
a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) Warw. 133 Yet is their Surname right ancient in the place.
1704 J. Swift Disc. Mech. Operat. Spirit ii, in Tale of Tub 299 Those illustrious and right eloquent Pen-men, the Modern Travellers.
1765 T. Gray Shakespeare in Corr. Gray & W. Mason (1853) 339 3 Willey begs, once a right proper man.
1800 S. T. Coleridge Lett. (1895) 336 I was right glad..to see your writing again.
1854 A. E. Baker Gloss. Northants. Words II. 174 He's not right sharp.
1861 E. FitzGerald Lett. (1889) I. 276 He is a right good little Fellow, I do believe.
1869 ‘M. Twain’ Innocents Abroad xiv. 134 I did not feel right comfortable for some time afterward.
1877 W. Lytteil Landmarks Sc. Life & Lang. iii. viii. 142 And right interesting it is to observe [etc.].
1881 ‘M. Twain’ Prince & Pauper iii. 40 They were waved aside with a right royal gesture.
1936 M. Mitchell Gone with the Wind xlii. 755 Miz Wilkes is right sensible, for a woman.
1951 E. Pendell Population on Loose ii. ix. 246 The Royal Commission does a right royal flipflop.
1952 Manch. Guardian Weekly 20 Mar. 4/3 Yes, sir, as far as this state's concerned, he looks right nice where he is.
1977 Hot Car Oct. 42/3 People I've spoken to who went last year said it was reet good and very alcoholic.
1985 S. Hood Storm from Paradise (1988) 61 I expect the children were right spoilt brats.
1995 Richmond (Va.) Times-Dispatch 30 July c2/3 It's right rough when it's sleeting..but we were used to it and didn't pay too much attention to it.
2000 Sunday Herald (Glasgow) 7 May 15/6 Prince Philip waded into a right royal stooshie this week when he reportedly said his son..would never remarry his ex-wife.
c. Used in titles or forms of address. Also in extended use.After 17th cent. chiefly in official titles prefixed to a person's name. Right Honourable, Reverend, Worshipful: see the second element.
ΚΠ
?1392 in J. Raine Corr., Inventories, Acct. Rolls, & Law Proc. Priory of Coldingham (1841) 65 Richt honorabylle fadyr in Crist, God have yhow in kepynge.
1418 in R. W. Chambers & M. Daunt Bk. London Eng. (1931) 294 (MED) Worshipful fader yn god, right trusty and welbeloued, We grete yow wel.
1450 in A. F. Leach Educ. Charters (1911) 421 (MED) Oure ryght special lord..graunted unto us all his latyn bokes.
1490 Caxton's Blanchardyn & Eglantine (1962) iv. 20 O my rightbeloued sonn,..who moued you to leue me, and to parte soo?
1512 Helyas in W. J. Thoms Early Eng. Prose Romances (1858) III. 148 Right noble chylde and my deare frende.
1565 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 400 The rycht excellent, rycht heich and illustir Princessis.
1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing i. i. 79 He is most in the companie of the right noble Claudio. View more context for this quotation
1640 S. Daines Orthoepia Anglicana 89 The usual superscription from one inferiour, or of meaner rank is, Right worshipfull, &c. sometime Right renowned, or right worthy Sir.
1674 in O. Airy Essex Papers (1890) I. 197 Right Trusty and Right Welbeloved Cousin and Councellour, Wee greet you well.
1738 J. Wesley Coll. Psalms & Hymns (new ed.) lxxx. ix A generous and right noble Vine When newly out of Egypt brought.
1769 Earl of Chatham Let. 8 Nov. in W. J. Smith Grenville Papers (1853) IV. 478 To-morrow we know is dedicated to the honest City and the right noble Lord Mayor.
1827 B. Disraeli Vivian Grey IV. vi. i. 33 Noble and right thirsty lords.
1881 Frank Leslie's Pop. Monthly June 698 For two seasons never did the right royal lady ever have a better time.
1906 H. Frith Compl. Let.-writer 21 A Mayor is addressed as The Worshipful the Mayor of—; in a few cities as ‘Right Worshipful’.
1999 Daily Tel. 31 Dec. 16/1 The award of a privy counsellorship—conferring the prefix Right Honourable—is a traditional way of rewarding political service by senior MPs.
8. In negative constructions (with no, naught, etc.): at all, to any extent, whatsoever. Now archaic and rare.
ΚΠ
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 3843 Niss he rihht nohht forrfæredd.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 18961 Acc hemm ne cumeþþ rihht nan god.
c1300 St. Thomas Becket (Laud) l. 485 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 120 (MED) Ne meue ȝe ov riȝt nouȝt!
c1330 (?c1300) Guy of Warwick (Auch.) l. 3791 He þe loueþ riȝt nouȝt Þat in þat wille þe haþ y-brouȝt.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 28794 (MED) For-þi receues he right nan Almus þat o wrang es tan.
a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 2071 Myn herte is youres and myn right nought.
?a1475 Ludus Coventriae (1922) 175 (MED) Merthis þerfore make ȝe and be ryght no thynge sadde.
1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope ii. xi. f. xlviij Thow shalt haue ryght nought of me.
a1540 (c1460) G. Hay tr. Bk. King Alexander 2990 All..away was swipit clene And rycht nocht left as thare nothing haid bene.
1571 A. Golding tr. J. Calvin Psalmes of Dauid with Comm. (xlv. 11) To acount whatsoever we set most store by, to be but as dung or as rightnought.
a1628 J. Carmichaell Coll. Prov. in Scots (1957) No. 702 He luves me for little that haits me for right not.
1678 Breviary of Alchemy 27 in Ripley Reviv'd He adds a natural Mercuriality, which costeth right nought; that is a pure, sincere Mineral Water.
1731 J.-B. Girard Def. against Accusation III. Pref. p. vi Between God and our soul may be right naught.
1760 ‘Philalathes’ Truth from Orig. Univ. 44 Commit all things to the providence of thy loving Lord, who will then order all things dilectably and sweetly for thee: reckon all things besides for right nought.
1906 C. M. Doughty Dawn in Brit. III. ix. 12 They seeing right naught, with oars, row forth.
†9. Used emphatically, followed by a with a noun phrase: such, in a high degree; assuredly, indeed. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > [adverb]
iwis?c1160
sickerlyc1175
wisc1175
wislyc1200
i-witterlic1275
sickerc1275
certc1300
hardilyc1300
hardlya1325
certain1330
tristilya1350
certainlya1375
redelya1375
redilya1375
surelyc1380
hand in handa1382
righta1393
assuredlya1400
surea1400
naturallyc1425
in certc1440
ascertainly1477
soverly1513
perqueer1568
really1604
assurelya1626
just1687
pos1710
besure1743
verdad1928
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) ii. 1788 (MED) He pulleth up is hed And made riht a glad visage.
c1405 (c1387–95) G. Chaucer Canterbury Tales Prol. (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 757 He was right a murye man.
?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) (1889) 8 (MED) Constantinople es riȝt a faire citee.
c1475 tr. C. de Pisan Livre du Corps de Policie (Cambr.) (1977) 179 (MED) It is right a good thyng for a man to holde his peas.
1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) i. 13 It is moche fayre and ryght a noble thyng for to see..thauncyent hystoryes.
a1500 tr. A. Chartier Traité de l'Esperance (Rawl.) (1974) 78 (MED) Softe slowthe is right an harde steppemodir.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. ccclxxiv. 619 He accorded to that his men hadde done with right an yuell wyll.
a1529 J. Skelton Speke Parrot in Poet. Wks. (1843) II. 23 So myche papers weryng for ryghte a smalle exesse.
1567 A. Golding tr. Ovid Metamorphosis (new ed.) x. f. 127 The looke of it was ryght a Maydens looke.
1608 G. Chapman Trag. Duke of Byron v, in Conspiracie Duke of Byron sig. Q3 Showe your selfe right a Lawier.
1700 R. Gould Mourning Swain 8 He made all Voices one: With a bare Breath, they mov'd as he enclin'd, Like standing Corn, all bending with the Wind. At once to Roialty and Right a Friend.
1754 A. Berthelson Eng. & Danish Dict. (at cited word) He is right an epicure.
III. Senses relating to truth, correctness, or propriety.
10.
a. In accordance with justice, goodness, or righteousness; righteously, virtuously, piously; sincerely; (in later use) in a morally correct manner, in accordance with accepted standards of behaviour.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > virtue > righteousness or rectitude > [adverb]
righteOE
righteouslyOE
justlyc1384
righteousa1400
uprightly1549
upright1601
eOE King Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Otho) (2009) I. xxix. 526 Þæt se scippend..rehte gesceop eall þæt he gesceop, and [n]an yfel ne worhte.
OE Blickling Homilies 43 Ne wandige na se mæssepreost.., þæt he him symle rihte deme, gif he wille sylf Godes domas gedegan.
OE Paris Psalter (1932) cxxxix. 13 Scylan eard niman on þinre ansyne, þa mid ræde her rihte lifigeað.
c1175 ( in A. O. Belfour 12th Cent. Homilies in MS Bodl. 343 (1909) 56 Þonne is swiðe mycel ðearf þæt we ilomlice..leorniæn hu we maȝen ure Drihtines bodum rihtest healdæn.
a1225 (?c1175) Poema Morale (Lamb.) l. 109 in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 167 (MED) Ne mei him na Mon alsa wel demen ne alswa rihte [v.r. rithte]..buten ane drihte.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 3636 Bokes he wrot of lore wal, Hu ðis folc hem rigt leden sal.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1963) 1 Kings xvii. 18 Þi breþeren þou schalt visiten if þei riȝt [a1425 L.V. riȝli; v.r. iustly; L. recte] don.
a1425 Rule St. Benet (Lansd.) (1902) 5 (MED) He at [read ah] at mustir..wel rede and singe in haly kirke, Gode a-saumpil til oþir at giue for to liue riht.
a1475 Sidrak & Bokkus (Lansd.) (Ph.D. diss., Univ. of Washington) (1965) 9911 (MED) In þat he [sc. the judge] demeþ right, He synneþ not in þe plight.
a1586 R. Maitland On New Yeir in W. A. Craigie Maitland Folio MS. (1919) I. xv. 24 Grant ws thy licht...To leif eftir thy lawis richt.
1611 Bible (King James) Psalms ix. 4 Thou satest in the throne iudging right.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iii. 155 Father, who art Judge Of all things made, and judgest onely right . View more context for this quotation
1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. ii. viii. 286 They act right or wrong.
1746 Ld. Chesterfield Let. 4 Oct. (1932) (modernized text) III. 777 I am convinced that you will act right.
1782 F. Burney Cecilia I. i. vii. 93 A strong sense of duty, a fervent desire to act right, were the ruling characteristics of her mind.
1849 A. Smith Pottleton Legacy vii. 46 I always endeavour to act right by gentlemen's coals, and wouldn't rob them of a knobble.
1953 Jet 30 Apr. 17 ‘If she had acted right this would not have happened,’ the father was quoted as saying to police.
2001 L. Vernick (title) How to act right when your spouse acts wrong.
†b. Scottish. Rightly; rightfully, by right. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal right > [adverb]
truly1376
rightfully?a1439
righteously1450
righta1500
fairly1540
de jure1611
society > morality > dueness or propriety > [adverb] > rightly or by right
rightfullyc1325
righta1500
a1500 (c1425) Andrew of Wyntoun Oryg. Cron. Scotl. (Nero) v. l. 3448 A dede knycht, þat Marcuryus callit was richt.
1508 W. Kennedy Flyting (Chepman & Myllar) in Poems W. Dunbar (1998) I. 213 The erl of Murray bure that surname ryght.
11.
a. In a proper, fitting, or appropriate manner; in the required or necessary way; properly; duly. Cf. to serve (a person) right at serve v.1 Phrases 7a.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > dueness or propriety > [adverb]
rightlyeOE
arightc970
rightOE
properly?c1225
goodc1275
rightfully1340
truly1340
tallya1375
featlya1400
rekenlyc1400
communablya1425
fitc1440
accordantlyc1443
accordinglyc1443
justilyc1450
seemingly1483
fitlyc1550
conveniently1569
arightly1588
legitimately1593
fittinglya1643
legitimously1657
honest-like1807
the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > [adverb] > fittingly or properly
welleOE
fairOE
meetlyOE
rightOE
worthlylOE
haghelyc1175
worthilyc1175
becomelyc1200
properly?c1225
i-semelichec1275
thriftilyc1374
duly1382
sittinglyc1390
justlyc1392
rightfula1400
goodlyc1400
hemelyc1400
meeta1450
statelya1450
ensuingly?1518
handsomely1525
worshipfully1532
decently1552
due1581
meeterly1589
fairly1600
beseemingly1611
dightly1616
becomingly1624
befittingly1638
fittinglya1643
condecently1656
OE Beowulf (2008) 1695 Swa wæs..þurh runstafas rihte gemearcod, geseted ond gesæd, hwam þæt sweord geworht..wære.
OE Battle of Maldon (1942) 20 Byrhtnoð..bæd þæt hyra randan [read randas] rihte heoldon fæste mid folman.
lOE King Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Bodl.) (2009) I. xxvi. 296 Genog ryhte þu spyrast; swa hit is swa þu segst.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 5505 All hu mann birrþ follȝhenn itt forr drihhtin rihht to þeowwtenn.
c1225 (?c1200) St. Margaret (Bodl.) (1934) 50 Ȝe habbeð iherd, ȝef ȝe hercneden riht [Royal ariht], hwet te hehe healent haueð me bihaten.
a1350 in G. L. Brook Harley Lyrics (1968) 34 (MED) Þou rew ant red me ryht.
c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) 373 (MED) If þou redez hym ryȝt, redly I trowe Þat þou schal byden þe bur þat he schal bede after.
c1450 (a1425) Metrical Paraphr. Old Test. (Selden) 13834 (MED) He ordand hym and ȝode with baytell ryȝt arayd.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Judges xii. 6 They bad him saye: Schiboleth, & he sayde: Siboleth, & coulde not speake it righte.
1556 W. Lauder Compend. Tractate Office Kyngis (1864) 506 How that ȝe suld elect moist rycht Ȝour jugis.
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) ii. i. 139 Ile smoake your skin-coat and I catch you right . View more context for this quotation
1642 H. More Ψυχωδια Platonica sig. K4 Hence phancie, sight, And memorie in age do not their functions right.
1685 Earl of Roscommon Ess. Translated Verse (ed. 2) 1 With strict discipline instructed right.
1693 J. Locke Some Thoughts conc. Educ. §160 The first thing should be taught him is to hold his Pen right.
1705 tr. W. Bosman New Descr. Coast of Guinea xx. 419 Were not these Villains right served?
1764 O. Goldsmith Hist. Eng. in Lett. (1772) I. 278 You counsel right, my friend.
1851 E. B. Browning Casa Guidi Windows ii. vi. 91 A people, to speak right, Should speak as soft as courtiers.
1895 T. Hardy Jude viii You made a fool of a mistake about her... The harm you did yourself by dirting your own nest serves you right.
1918 W. Faulkner Let. 13 July in Thinking of Home (1992) 77 The British are great sticklers for this and it must be done right.
1964 J. Mitchell White Father vi. 126 If you can get two saxes mixing right, they give a great basis for contrasting the other instruments.
1982 L. Olivier Confessions of Actor i. iii. 41 If I played it right,..I might be taken on.
1994 ‘Gloria’ in M. Algarí & B. Holman Aloud iv. 430 She believed that she had figured out how to walk right.
b. In due or proper order, satisfactorily. Chiefly in to go right.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > [adverb]
bedenea1300
stightly1340
ordinatelyc1384
right?a1400
seriouslyc1405
beplotmelec1440
seriatly?a1475
seriatim1495
ensuingly?1518
consequently1558
evenly1579
successantly1594
orderly1599
connectedly1823
sequently1905
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. l. 11768 Roþers, helmes, right to stande.
a1586 Sir P. Sidney tr. Psalms (1963) xix. ii. 39 Day unto day, it doth display,..And night to night, succeeding right.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) iv. iv. 33 When once our grace we haue forgot, Nothing goes right . View more context for this quotation
1659 R. Brathwait Panthalia 79 These Ladies..must hold him excused, for neglect of those Caresses and Civile adues; which, if all things had gone right, had been, doubtlessly, return'd.
1739–40 D. Hume Treat. Human Nature 132 A peasant can give no better reason for the stopping of any clock or watch than to say, that commonly it does not go right.
1780 C. Reeve Old Eng. Baron (ed. 2) 119 Put your trust in God, and obey your Lord, and you will find every thing go right as it used to do.
1800 M. Edgeworth Castle Rackrent 114 I did suppose all was going on right betwixt them, till I learnt the truth through Mrs. Jane.
1876 T. Hardy Hand of Ethelberta II. xxxv. 80 Everything is going on right there, and you have no occasion to be anxious about them.
1915 L. M. Montgomery Anne of Island x. 102 ‘I hope things will go right,’ said Priscilla soberly.
1945 E. Waugh Brideshead Revisited vii. 177 So you see things never looked like going right. There was a hoodoo on us from the start.
1991 Forbes (Nexis) 9 Dec. 83 Ay de mi! Little has since gone right for Mexicana and its new owners.
12. In accordance with the facts or the truth of the case; accurately, correctly, exactly.In quot. 1642 with allusion to phrase as right as a ram's horn (see ram's horn n. 1).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > [adverb]
mid or with (‥) soothc888
soothfastlya890
soothfastc950
rightOE
yeaOE
soothlyOE
soothOE
trulyc1225
soothrightc1275
purec1300
verament1303
verily1303
purelyc1325
verimentc1325
indeedc1330
veirec1330
soothfully1340
faithlyc1350
of very (due) right?a1366
leallya1375
amenc1384
in soothnessc1386
verya1387
in certaina1400
truea1400
without(en) wougha1400
in veirec1400
in deedc1405
without famec1430
in veramentc1450
utterlyc1460
veritably1481
veritable1490
voirably1501
seriously1644
quite1736
quite1881
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > truthfulness, veracity > [adverb] > so as to match truth, exactly
rightlyeOE
rightOE
faithfullyc1425
preciselya1513
justlya1538
verbatim1566
strictly1602
exactly1662
correctlya1704
prezactly1835
sensu stricto1849
perzactly1850
'zackly1886
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > freedom from error, correctness > exactness, accuracy, precision > [adverb] > exactly so, just
rightOE
evenOE
alrightOE
allOE
evenlya1375
preciselyc1443
very1530
meet1543
on the spot1884
(right) on the button1925
spot on2009
OE (Northumbrian) Lindisf. Gospels: Luke vii. 43 Ille dixit ei, recte iudicasti : he cuoeð him rehte ðu doemdest.
OE West Saxon Gospels: Luke (Corpus Cambr.) x. 28 Þa cwæð he, rihte þu andswarodest.
c1175 ( Ælfric Homily (Bodl. 343) in S. Irvine Old Eng. Homilies (1993) 72 He ne sæde na riht.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 13811 Natanaæl..Þatt i þe sahh unnderr fic tre Þu cnawesst rihht. & trowwesst.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 497 Ic wile rigt tellen, if ic can, Adam, seth, [etc.].
c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) 508 (MED) If i can þat riȝt arede, þat blod him compþ of þe.
a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) 682 (MED) Þo men fallyn..yn plyȝt Þat sweryn oþer fals or ryȝt By any menbre of hys manhede.
c1440 (c1350) Octovian (Thornton) l. 1100 (MED) He thoghte..The childe was comene of gentille blode; Hym thoghte righte, als it was.
a1525 (c1448) R. Holland Bk. Howlat l. 162 in W. A. Craigie Asloan MS (1925) II. 100 A college of cardinalis come syne in a lyng That war crannis of kynd gif I richt compt.
1549 N. Ridley in R. Potts Liber Cantabr. (1855) 245 Alexander, if I do right remember the history.
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Apol. Poetrie (1595) sig. D2v The Lawyer..seeketh to make men good,..or to say righter,..that their euill hurt not others.
1642 J. Eaton Honey-combe Free Justific. 202 Reason agrees with them no righter than a Rammes horne.
1711 A. Pope Ess. Crit. 4 The Lines, tho' touch'd but faintly, are drawn right.
1763 Priv. Lett. Ld. Malmesbury (1870) I. 103 The affair of Wilkes and Dun is related right in the papers.
1857 C. Kingsley Great Cities in Misc. (1860) II. 320 It was on the Tuesday or Wednesday after, if I recollect right.
1878 T. Hardy Return of Native III. vi. iii. 296 Yes, you guess right. It is going to be after all.
1915 A. Conan Doyle Valley of Fear i. vii. 136 Can I smoke as I talk?.. You're a smoker yourself, if I remember right.
1964 I. Murdoch Italian Girl i. vi. 76 Her voice was very foreign and I could make nothing of her words; I was not even sure I had heard them right.
2000 A. Ghosh Glass Palace (2001) viii. 97 The Assistant at that camp was a young man, perhaps nineteen or twenty years old, and his name, if I remember right, was McKay.
IV. Senses relating to direction and orientation.
13. On or towards the right side (of). Also: clockwise. See also right, left, and centre at Phrases 7, right and left adv.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > quality of having sides or being a side > [adverb] > on the right
aright-half1340
righta1500
dexter1726
aright1796
rightward1801
the world > space > direction > specific directions > [adverb] > in sideways direction > to right and left > towards the right
righta1500
rightward1555
rightwards?1597
right-handed1841
dextrally1881
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 21639 (MED) Ouer and vnder, right and left, In þis compas godd all has left.]
a1500 (a1450) tr. Secreta Secret. (Ashm. 396) (1977) 85 Euery place of the erthe is and hath fourefold difference, þat is to sey, before, behynde, right [a1500 Lamb. on þe Ryght syde; L. dextra], and left.
?c1510 tr. Newe Landes & People founde by Kynge of Portyngale sig. Bij As we stande ryght of yt poynt.
1627 T. Kellie Pallas Armata 35 Right round about,..Left round about,..Sixt ranke right or left round about.
1757 London Mag. Feb. 91 First couple cast off, lead thro' the third couple and cast up, cast up again to the top and turn, cross over and turn right and left.
1792 R. Burns in J. Johnson Scots Musical Museum IV. 389 She's twisted right she's twisted left.
1816 ‘Quiz’ Grand Master ii. 50 ‘'Tention eyes right!’ The serjeant calls with all his might.
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth xii, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. I. 323 As he spoke thus, he looked neither right nor left.
1898 H. James Turn of Screw vii, in Two Magics 59 She turned right and left in her distress.
1922 J. Joyce Ulysses ii. vi. [Hades] 95 Dunphy's, Mr Power announced as the carriage turned right. Dunphy's corner.
1963 T. Parker Unknown Citizen i. 21 ‘Which way's the station now?’ ‘Down there, turn right.’
1994 Sci. Amer. May 57/3 Rig hands on the drilling floor twist the pipe at the surface to change the orientation of the bend, so that the drill bit faces up, down, left or right as desired.

Phrases

P1.
a. Originally North American. right away: immediately, without delay. Cf. straightaway adv.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > immediacy > [adverb]
soonc825
ratheeOE
rathelyeOE
rekeneOE
rekenlyOE
thereright971
anonOE
forth ona1000
coflyc1000
ferlyc1000
radlyOE
swiftlyc1000
unyoreOE
yareOE
at the forme (also first) wordOE
nowOE
shortlya1050
rightOE
here-rightlOE
right anonlOE
anonc1175
forthrightc1175
forthwithalc1175
skeetc1175
swithc1175
with and withc1175
anon-rightc1225
anon-rights?c1225
belivec1225
lightly?c1225
quickly?c1225
tidelyc1225
fastlyc1275
hastilyc1275
i-radlichec1275
as soon asc1290
aright1297
bedenea1300
in little wevea1300
withoute(n dwella1300
alrightc1300
as fast (as)c1300
at firstc1300
in placec1300
in the placec1300
mididonec1300
outrightc1300
prestc1300
streck13..
titec1300
without delayc1300
that stounds1303
rada1325
readya1325
apacec1325
albedenec1330
as (also also) titec1330
as blivec1330
as line rightc1330
as straight as linec1330
in anec1330
in presentc1330
newlyc1330
suddenlyc1330
titelyc1330
yernec1330
as soon1340
prestly1340
streckly1340
swithly?1370
evenlya1375
redelya1375
redlya1375
rifelya1375
yeplya1375
at one blastc1380
fresha1382
ripelyc1384
presentc1385
presently1385
without arrestc1385
readilyc1390
in the twinkling of a looka1393
derflya1400
forwhya1400
skeetlya1400
straighta1400
swifta1400
maintenantc1400
out of handc1400
wightc1400
at a startc1405
immediately1420
incontinent1425
there and then1428
onenec1429
forwithc1430
downright?a1439
agatec1440
at a tricec1440
right forth1440
withouten wonec1440
whipc1460
forthwith1461
undelayed1470
incessantly1472
at a momentc1475
right nowc1475
synec1475
incontinently1484
promptly1490
in the nonce?a1500
uncontinent1506
on (upon, in) the instant1509
in short1513
at a clap1519
by and by1526
straightway1526
at a twitch1528
at the first chop1528
maintenantly1528
on a tricea1529
with a tricec1530
at once1531
belively1532
straightwaysa1533
short days1533
undelayedly1534
fro hand1535
indelayedly1535
straight forth1536
betimesc1540
livelyc1540
upononc1540
suddenly1544
at one (or a) dash?1550
at (the) first dash?1550
instantly1552
forth of hand1564
upon the nines1568
on the nail1569
at (also in, with) a thoughtc1572
indilately1572
summarily1578
at one (a) chop1581
amain1587
straightwise1588
extempore1593
presto1598
upon the place1600
directly1604
instant1604
just now1606
with a siserary1607
promiscuously1609
at (in) one (an) instant1611
on (also upon) the momenta1616
at (formerly also on or upon) sight1617
hand to fist1634
fastisha1650
nextly1657
to rights1663
straightaway1663
slap1672
at first bolt1676
point-blank1679
in point1680
offhand1686
instanter1688
sonica1688
flush1701
like a thought1720
in a crack1725
momentary1725
bumbye1727
clacka1734
plumba1734
right away1734
momentarily1739
momentaneously1753
in a snap1768
right off1771
straight an end1778
abruptedly1784
in a whistle1784
slap-bang1785
bang?1795
right off the reel1798
in a whiff1800
in a flash1801
like a shot1809
momently1812
in a brace or couple of shakes1816
in a gird1825
(all) in a rush1829
in (also at, on) short (also quick) order1830
straightly1830
toot sweetc1830
in two twos1838
rectly1843
quick-stick1844
short metre1848
right1849
at the drop of a (occasionally the) hat1854
off the hooks1860
quicksticks1860
straight off1873
bang off1886
away1887
in quick sticks (also in a quick stick)1890
ek dum1895
tout de suite1895
bung1899
one time1899
prompt1910
yesterday1911
in two ups1934
presto changeo1946
now-now1966
presto change1987
1734 Longueville Rep. 21 June in R. H. Low & R. Valls St. John Backtime (1985) 9/2 Right away, I ordered the formation of two detachments of 45 men under the command of Messieurs Nadau and Lignery.
1818 H. B. Fearon Sketches Amer. 5 I have been slick in going to the stand right away.
1868 L. M. Alcott Little Women I. xv. 233 ‘I won't waste no time a-cryin', but git your things ready right away, mum,’ she said heartily.
1897 ‘M. Twain’ More Tramps Abroad lxxi A round man cannot be expected to fit a square hole right away. He must have time to modify his shape.
1903 G. B. Shaw Man & Superman iv. 151 Violet. Go away until I have finished speaking to your father. Hector. No, Violet: I mean to have this thing out, right away.
1942 Short Guide Great Brit. (U.S. War Dept.) 5 You will find out right away that England is a small country.
1978 D. Quinn Fear of God 121 ‘It's very important—see what you can turn up.’ ‘Right away,’ Helen said.
2000 A. Bourdain Kitchen Confid. (2001) 192 The boudins take the longest, so they have to go in the oven right away.
b. right off: immediately, without delay. Cf. straight off at straight adv. 2c.Cf. hot (or right) off the bat at bat n.2 3d.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > immediacy > [adverb]
soonc825
ratheeOE
rathelyeOE
rekeneOE
rekenlyOE
thereright971
anonOE
forth ona1000
coflyc1000
ferlyc1000
radlyOE
swiftlyc1000
unyoreOE
yareOE
at the forme (also first) wordOE
nowOE
shortlya1050
rightOE
here-rightlOE
right anonlOE
anonc1175
forthrightc1175
forthwithalc1175
skeetc1175
swithc1175
with and withc1175
anon-rightc1225
anon-rights?c1225
belivec1225
lightly?c1225
quickly?c1225
tidelyc1225
fastlyc1275
hastilyc1275
i-radlichec1275
as soon asc1290
aright1297
bedenea1300
in little wevea1300
withoute(n dwella1300
alrightc1300
as fast (as)c1300
at firstc1300
in placec1300
in the placec1300
mididonec1300
outrightc1300
prestc1300
streck13..
titec1300
without delayc1300
that stounds1303
rada1325
readya1325
apacec1325
albedenec1330
as (also also) titec1330
as blivec1330
as line rightc1330
as straight as linec1330
in anec1330
in presentc1330
newlyc1330
suddenlyc1330
titelyc1330
yernec1330
as soon1340
prestly1340
streckly1340
swithly?1370
evenlya1375
redelya1375
redlya1375
rifelya1375
yeplya1375
at one blastc1380
fresha1382
ripelyc1384
presentc1385
presently1385
without arrestc1385
readilyc1390
in the twinkling of a looka1393
derflya1400
forwhya1400
skeetlya1400
straighta1400
swifta1400
maintenantc1400
out of handc1400
wightc1400
at a startc1405
immediately1420
incontinent1425
there and then1428
onenec1429
forwithc1430
downright?a1439
agatec1440
at a tricec1440
right forth1440
withouten wonec1440
whipc1460
forthwith1461
undelayed1470
incessantly1472
at a momentc1475
right nowc1475
synec1475
incontinently1484
promptly1490
in the nonce?a1500
uncontinent1506
on (upon, in) the instant1509
in short1513
at a clap1519
by and by1526
straightway1526
at a twitch1528
at the first chop1528
maintenantly1528
on a tricea1529
with a tricec1530
at once1531
belively1532
straightwaysa1533
short days1533
undelayedly1534
fro hand1535
indelayedly1535
straight forth1536
betimesc1540
livelyc1540
upononc1540
suddenly1544
at one (or a) dash?1550
at (the) first dash?1550
instantly1552
forth of hand1564
upon the nines1568
on the nail1569
at (also in, with) a thoughtc1572
indilately1572
summarily1578
at one (a) chop1581
amain1587
straightwise1588
extempore1593
presto1598
upon the place1600
directly1604
instant1604
just now1606
with a siserary1607
promiscuously1609
at (in) one (an) instant1611
on (also upon) the momenta1616
at (formerly also on or upon) sight1617
hand to fist1634
fastisha1650
nextly1657
to rights1663
straightaway1663
slap1672
at first bolt1676
point-blank1679
in point1680
offhand1686
instanter1688
sonica1688
flush1701
like a thought1720
in a crack1725
momentary1725
bumbye1727
clacka1734
plumba1734
right away1734
momentarily1739
momentaneously1753
in a snap1768
right off1771
straight an end1778
abruptedly1784
in a whistle1784
slap-bang1785
bang?1795
right off the reel1798
in a whiff1800
in a flash1801
like a shot1809
momently1812
in a brace or couple of shakes1816
in a gird1825
(all) in a rush1829
in (also at, on) short (also quick) order1830
straightly1830
toot sweetc1830
in two twos1838
rectly1843
quick-stick1844
short metre1848
right1849
at the drop of a (occasionally the) hat1854
off the hooks1860
quicksticks1860
straight off1873
bang off1886
away1887
in quick sticks (also in a quick stick)1890
ek dum1895
tout de suite1895
bung1899
one time1899
prompt1910
yesterday1911
in two ups1934
presto changeo1946
now-now1966
presto change1987
1771 Trial Atticus before Justice Beau 26 I asked him what made him go out in sermon time; he answered right off.
1790 R. Tyler Contrast ii. ii. 29 I was glad to take to my heels and split home, right off.
1849 D. Webster Private Corr. (1857) II. 339 We will go to that place and shut ourselves up in the office..and do the work right off.
1884 Harper's Mag. Oct. 789/1 He wasn't [sick] long. Had a kind of a fit this noon, and died right off.
1889 E. Peacock Gloss. Words Manley & Corringham, Lincs. (ed. 2) He sell'd up reight off an' went to New Zealand.
1931 Amer. Mercury Dec. 416/2 Hymie, the mug, falls in love with her right off, Don't laugh, I'm levellin', honest to God.
1952 M. Lowry Let. 11 Jan. (1967) 285 Also, right off, I want to thank yourself..most sincerely for the superlative Christmas present.
1989 R. Banks Affliction ii. 27 He saw right off that LaRiviere had already chosen the winners of the costume contests.
2000 Denver Post 2 Sept. f1/1 Let me say right off that my compost is not up to snuff.
P2. right out.
a. Without reservation; openly, frankly; not gradually or tentatively, to the full. Cf. outright adv. 1. to come right out with: see to come out 6a at come v. Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > high or intense degree > greatly or very much [phrase] > utter > utterly
all outc1300
out and outc1300
at all devicec1385
to devicec1385
right out?1543
up to the chin1546
up to the eyes1607
upsy Friese1609
up to the (or one's) eyebrowsa1627
all hollow1762
(immersed, steeped) to the lipsa1822
all ends up1850
fair and square1870
right spang1884
to the wide1895
a (also one) hundred per cent1911
?1543 M. Coverdale Christen Exhortacion To Rdr. f. 2 The abhominable custome of swearinge or dayly blaspheming of the blessed name of god..is of the deuylles kyngedome right owt, without any colours to the contrary.
?1550 J. Bale Apol. agaynste Papyst f. xciii Ye playe here the Pelagyane ryght oute, geuynge to our corrupted and synnefull nature, that is onelye due to the grace and mercy of God.
1579 U. Fulwell Ars Adulandi (new ed.) sig. Hiiii Some laugh right out, and some looke coy.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) iv. i. 101 Her waspish headed sonne..Swears he will shoote no more, but play with Sparrows, And be a Boy right out . View more context for this quotation
1672 M. Atkins Cataplus 30 The woful Trojans cryed right out Sniv'ling and casting snot about.
1764 in R. S. Hawker Footpr. Former Men Cornwall (1870) 62 I made up my mind to..step up and ask his name right out.
1792 Fanny II. vii. 179 Ah, my Lady! will you forgive me if I speak right out?
1843 C. Dickens Martin Chuzzlewit (1844) xx. 254 ‘That's as good,’ cried Jonas, ‘as saying it right out.’
1892 R. L. Stevenson & L. Osbourne Wrecker xviii. 287 ‘Jim,’ I said, ‘you must speak right out.’
1927 G. Bain Dauvid Main 10 If ye tell me richt oot wha it was.
1953 W. S. Burroughs Junkie ii. 32 In fact, a peddler should not come right out and say he is a peddler... Everyone knows that he himself is the connection, but it is bad form to say so.
1995 K. O'Riordan Involved 170 Why don't you just spit it out—say it right out—whatever it is that's troubling you. Mmm?
b. So that the act is finished immediately, done outright; altogether, entirely. In later use chiefly regional: completely. Frequently with kill, sell. Cf. outright adv. 4. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > completeness > completely [phrase]
high and low1397
every (also ilk, ilka) stick?a1400
root and rind?a1400
hair and hide?c1450
stout and routc1450
bane and routc1480
overthwart and endlonga1500
(in) hide and hairc1575
right out1578
horse and footc1600
flesh and fella1616
root and branch1640
stab and stow1680
stoop and roop1728
stick, stock, stone dead1796
rump and stump1824
stump and rump1825
rump and rig1843
good and1885
the world > relative properties > wholeness > completeness > completely [phrase] > altogether, entirely, or completely
bedenec1175
all outc1300
downrightc1330
downrightsc1330
at alla1375
whole together1551
in all sorts1559
right out1578
clear1600
neck and heels1647
to rights1663
head over ears1774
neck and crop1791
fair and square1870
in total1965
1578 W. B. tr. Appian of Alexandria Aunc. Hist. Romanes Warres i. ii. 107 Two men came running to him as a fugitiue, of whome the one he killed right out.
1598 R. Barret Theorike & Pract. Mod. Warres iv. 110 Such as bee slaine right out.
1622 S. Ward Woe to Drunkards (1627) 18 I haue seene one slaine right out with the timber he stole halfe an houre before.
1692 J. Washington tr. J. Milton Def. People Eng. iv. 106 The house..they fired about his ears, and at last killed him right out.
1700 R. Brady Contin. Compl. Hist. Eng. 188 He caused them to be Fined so grievously, as half their Lands, if sold right out, would only pay it.
a1734 R. North Life Sir D. North & Rev. J. North (1744) 252 His Mother and Wife, and some of his Children, and some others, were killed right out.
a1734 R. North Life Sir D. North & Rev. J. North (1744) 62 The work is done by Pawns (really), but in Appearance bought right out for a Price.
1852 Shevvild Chap's Ann. 8 It al nobbut bloind yo reit aht.
1855 W. M. Thackeray Rose & Ring vi I dare say two villains..wished Doctor Pildrafto, the Court Physician, had killed Giglio right out.
1881 S. Evans Evans's Leicestershire Words (new ed.) 226 A broke his thoomb roight out.
1888 F. T. Elworthy W. Somerset Word-bk. at Right out I zaid I'd warn un..sound and quiet nif he'd buy un right out, but I widn part way un no other ways.
1913 R. Cullum Golden Woman (1916) xxix. 353 He even sold his farm to help. Sold it right out, an' give up twenty years' hard work to hand grub to empty bellies.
1926 S. Anderson Tar x. 172 Better to get killed right out than be fussed at all the time.
1953 R. G. Chappell Let. 26 Mar. in Corpsmen vii. 104 Only if a man is killed right out and is in such a position that rescue of the body is impossible..will they retreat without a man.
P3. colloquial. right enough: certainly, indeed, undeniably, for sure.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > [adverb] > assuredly, indeed
soothlyc825
forsoothc888
wiselyc888
sooth to sayOE
i-wislichec1000
to (‥) soothOE
iwis?c1160
certesa1250
without missa1275
i-witterlic1275
trulyc1275
aplight1297
certc1300
in (good) fayc1300
verily1303
certain1330
in truthc1330
to tell (also speak, say) the truthc1330
certainlya1375
faithlya1375
in faitha1375
surelya1375
in sooth1390
in trothc1390
in good faitha1393
to witc1400
faithfullyc1405
soothly to sayc1405
all righta1413
sad?a1425
in certc1440
wella1470
truec1480
to say (the) truth1484
of a truth1494
of (a) trotha1500
for a truth?1532
in (of) verity1533
of verityc1550
really1561
for, in, or into very?1565
indeed1583
really and truly1600
indeed and indeed1673
right enough1761
deed1816
just1838
of a verity1850
sho1893
though1905
verdad1928
sholy1929
ja-nee1937
only1975
deffo1996
1761 Life & Extraordinary Hist. J. Taylor II. vii. 111 Aye, 'tis Jack arrived from Oxford; right enough.
1786 A. Mackenzie Gamesters I. 149 ‘You are the very man I went to Dover with!’ Ferguson, shaking his hand with a violence sufficient to dislocate his shoulder,—‘Right enough, faith!’
1885 ‘F. Anstey’ Tinted Venus 7 You'll enjoy yourself, Bella, right enough when you get there.
1905 Baroness Orczy Scarlet Pimpernel xxii. 216 ‘It's Sir Percy right enough,’ she murmured, ‘and not even in disguise!’
1949 ‘G. Orwell’ Nineteen Eighty-four ii. vii. 167 ‘If you mean confessing,’ she said, ‘we shall do that, right enough. Everybody always confesses. You can't help it. They torture you.’
1994 I. Welsh Acid House 61 Aye Oedipus, yir a complex fucker right enough.
P4. all right (see as main entry).
P5. colloquial (chiefly U.S.). right along: continuously; without interruption; (also) = all along adv. 1.
ΚΠ
1856 Michigan Agric. Soc. Trans. 7 806 His corn grew right along, for it could not help it.
1906 J. London White Fang v. v. 325 Just as I contended right along. No mere dog... He's a wolf.
1936 P. G. Wodehouse Laughing Gas xiv. 150 ‘And you come from England?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘London?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Lived there right along, I guess?’
1965 Listener 21 Oct. 608/1 Is the American Government prepared to take up this kind of initiative..? Harriman. Yes, we have been doing that right along.
2008 K. R. Wall Mercy Oak xxxiv. 266 A couple of receipts from fast-food places around the area... Most of them were for two meals, so we're pretty sure the Santiago kid has been with her right along.
P6. right the way: all the way through (also down, round, etc.). See sense 2a.Not in North American use.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > completeness > completely [phrase] > thoroughly > from beginning to end or through and through
to the boneOE
through and throughc1225
out and outc1300
from top to tail1303
out and inc1390
(from) head to heel (also heels)c1400
(from) head to foot (also feet)c1425
from top to (into, unto) toec1425
to the skin1526
to one's (also the) finger (also fingers') ends1530
from first to last1536
up and down1542
whole out1562
to the pith1587
to the back1594
from A to (also until) Z1612
from clew to earing1627
from top to bottom1666
back and edge1673
all hollow1762
(all) to pieces1788
from A to Za1821
to one's (also the) fingertips1825
to one's fingernails1851
from tip to toe1853
down to the ground1859
to the backbone1864
right the way1867
pur sang1893
from the ground up1895
in and out1895
from soda (card) to hock1902
1867 J. Greenwood Humphrey Dyot III. xvi. 278 Let us begin at the very beginning of this confounded place, and search every hole, one after the other, right the way through.
1903 Times 22 Jan. 10/5 A labourer..spoke to having dug over the garden..by instructions of the prisoner, who told him to ‘dig it right the way through and clear all the rubbish away’.
1932 A. Bell Cherry Tree x. 137 They went straight as a crow flies from here right the way to Ribland Marsh.
1960 Listener 7 Jan. 6/1 Oh yes, I supported Ernest Bevin's foreign policy right the way through.
1983 Financial Times 19 Mar. 5/3 Gross margins have come out a lot better than had been expected, with a beneficial impact right the way down the line.
2005 Woodworker May 32/3 The undercut lip is a little more tricky but the short bevel on the gouge allows you to work nearly right the way round the lip.
P7. right, left, and centre: everywhere; in all directions; (in extended use) freely, with abandon. Cf. left, right, and centre at left adj.1, n., and adv. Phrases 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > here, there, etc. > [phrase] > everywhere > on all sides
on all sidesc1275
on all handsc1540
on every handc1540
right and left1822
left and right1824
right, left, and centre1852
1852 M. W. Savage Reuben Medlicott ix. ii. 373 ‘Polemical habits’, said the Bishop, giving way now to his fair opponent right, left, and centre, ‘lead men sometimes to overcharge their statements.’
1878 Catholic World 27 800/1 Nods, becks, and wreathed smiles greeted them right, left, and centre.
1956 H. Williams & M. Williams Plaintiff in Pretty Hat ii. 61 Pontificating..and expressing your damned opinions and judgements right, left and centre as if you're Solomon in all his glory?
1970 J. Porter Rather Common Sort of Crime x. 115 A boy like Rodney..couldn't possibly be earning enough money to go around buying whisky right, left and centre?
1995 P. McCabe Dead School (1996) 45 Or at least it was until the War of Independence when people started getting shot right left and centre.

Compounds

C1.
a. Forming adjectives with past participles, as right-born, right-bred, right-framed, right-made, right-shapen, right-twisted, etc. Cf. well adv. and n.4 Compounds 1. Also parasynthetically.
ΚΠ
OE tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (Cambr. Univ. Libr.) v. xix. 468 He hine..gelærde [read gelædde] to mærsianne & to weorðianne þa rihtgesettan tide..þære Drihtenlican æriste [L. catholicum dominicae resurrectionis tempus].
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 1645 All þatt tu willt offrenn godd..birrþ..clennlike don Off rihht bigetenn ahhte.
1526 W. Tyndale Prol. Epist. Rom. sig. biii The ryghte shapen workes abyde not behynd but accompanye fayth evyn as bryghtenes doth the sunne.
1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes f. 177v Make praier vnto the Goddes, that a lawfull and right born heire for the succession of the croune and empier might bee begotten betwene Philippus and Cleopatra.
1553 in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1822) III. i. 76 If ye saw them [sc. the Bishops]..ye would say, they were the Pope's right-shapen sons.
1571 A. Golding tr. J. Calvin Psalmes of Dauid with Comm. (xxxix. 5) Within a while after hee will intermedle holy and right framed prayers.
1659 H. Thorndike Epil. Trag. Church of Eng. i. 227 The right born, imbasing..his birth, shall slide down.
1678 J. Ray tr. F. Willughby Ornithol. 56 Those [of her young] that she sees look stedfastly on the Sun, she [sc. the eagle] keeps and brings up as right-bred,..but such as turn away their eyes..she casts away as degenerous.
1680 W. Allen Perswasive to Peace & Unity (ed. 2) Pref. p. xxxiii It does agree with every right made publick prayer whatsoever.
1707 E. Ward Wooden World Dissected 18 What Discouragement gives not this to right-bred Tars from entering Volunteers?
1876 Chron. & Descr. Index Patents 1875 19 Each bobbin has a left twisted cotton or yarn thread worked round it and three right twisted threads.
1891 J. C. Atkinson Last of Giant-killers 170 Some even say that a right-shaped twig of any tree will do just as well.
1934 Times Lit. Suppl. 4 Jan. 4/2 A right-twisted shell lies conveniently for the waves breaking upon it so that they may press it more closely to the rock.
1999 I. Kostov & R. I. Kostov Crystal Habits Minerals vi. 231 Weiss himself used not the terms left-hand and right-hand, but right-twisted (rechtsgewundenen) and left-twisted (linksgewundenen) crystals.
b. Forming adjectives with present participles, as right-acting, right-aiming, right-believing, right-feeling, right-judging, right-meaning, right-seeing, etc. Cf. well adv. and n.4 Compounds 2. [With Old English riht-gelīefende right-believing, faithful (see quot. OE), compare riht-gelīefed of true or orthodox belief (see right-believed adj.).]
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OE Blickling Homilies 185 Ic beo lifes gast..on eallum rihtgelyfendum on me.
a1425 Edward, Duke of York Master of Game (Digby) i The hare that rennyth with right stondyng eers is but litell aferde.
?c1475 Catholicon Anglicum (BL Add. 15562) f. 104v Ryght trowande, ortadoxus.
1565 T. Stapleton tr. Bede Hist. Church Eng. iv. xvii. f. 131 Whome we following in good,..godly, and rightbeleuing maner [etc.].
1583 A. Golding tr. J. Calvin Serm. on Deuteronomie x. 59 They which haue sought him with a true and rightmeaning heart.
1611 Bible (King James) Wisd. v. 21 Then shal the right-aiming thunder bolts goe abroad. View more context for this quotation
1665 G. Wither Three Private Medit. 22 Good example giving, By their well-doing [printed woell-doing], joyn'd with right believing.
1736 M. Chandler Descr. Bath (ed. 3) 58 Her Mind, with each Virtue replete, Had enamour'd a right-judging Swain.
1815 R. Bakewell Introd. Geol. (ed. 2) xii. 284 In Cornwall and Devonshire, and in the mines of Northumberland and Durham, the principal metallic veins range nearly east and west. In the former counties they are called lodes, in the latter right running veins.
1837 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers xxxiii. 360 She now appeals to an enlightened, a high-minded, a right-feeling,..contemplative jury of her civilized countrymen.
1855 W. Bagehot Coll. Wks. (1965) I. 284 A particularly rational and right-seeing man.
1883 ‘M. Twain’ Life on Mississippi xlii. 432 Any right-feeling reptile would do that.
1885 C. J. Lyall Anc. Arab. Poetry 90 A heart still and stedfast, right-walking, honest.
1924 Woman's World (Chicago) Oct. 53/2 Mrs. Clifton says all right-living folks have a chauffeur and so she keeps him.
1973 E. Bullins Theme is Blackness 160 If I was a right-actin' sister I wouldn't go into this, you understand..but you know I ain't right-actin'.
1992 N.Y. Rev. Bks. 19 Nov. 19/3 High-minded Alexander and right-feeling Alexandra are disgusted too.
2007 R. Splinter & B. A. Hooper Introd. Biomed. Optics xii. 379 Normal collagen is in a crystalline form with right-turning properties.
†c. With verbs, as right-father, right-participate, etc. Cf. right rule v. Obsolete.
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eOE Royal Psalter xiv. 4 [Qui] iurat proximo suo et non decipit [eum]: swereð uel ryhtgehet nehstan his ne beswicð.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1969) Jer. vii. 5 If ȝee wel euene riȝt rewlen ȝoure weies..I shal dwelle with ȝou in þis place.
1591 F. Sparry tr. C. de Cattan Geomancie 81 If the childe be right fathered.
1611 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. (new ed.) i. iii. 69 Teaching Thy wealthy Neighbours..How, When, and Where to right-participate Their streams of Comfort.
a1688 J. Renwick Choice Coll. Pref. Lect. & Serm. (1777) xv. 519 We may not quit our reformation for division, but we must have them right fathered and right mothered.
C2. With adverbs, forming adjectives used attributively, as right-away, right-forward, right-onward, right-out.
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1591 Advt. from Britany & Low Countries f. 2v In holding a right forward course, the Duke de Mercurie might cut vs from al supplie of victuals.
1593 T. Nashe Christs Teares f. 30v It is not my intent to runne a right out race, through all the accidents of theyr reprobation.
1648 H. Hexham Groot Woorden-boeck Een Rechte strate, a Right-out streete.
1794 S. T. Coleridge Lett. (1895) I. 114 The well-disciplined phalanx of right-onward feelings.
1826 W. Scott Jrnl. 1 Mar. (1939) 117 The work of an uncompromising right-forward Scot of the Old School.
1830 J. Galt Lawrie Todd I. iii. xv. 289 With his wonted, right-away activity.
1863 E. C. Gaskell Sylvia's Lovers I. vii. 132 Yes; they're all on 'em right-down good folk.
1877 Daily News 9 Oct. 5/3 The anticipation of a good honest right-away race was not disappointed.
1911 Daily Colonist (Victoria, Brit. Columbia) 7 Apr. 15/3 We tell it and we prove it by our right-out faith in guaranteeing you satisfaction with semi-ready tailoring.
1943 J. W. Day Farming Adventure i. 19 Rightforward men ‘from up in the country’, which means a mile or two inland, thought twice before they ventured into this petty kingdom of the lawless.
1995 N. Whittaker Platform Souls (1996) x. 93 When you looked through the shattered windows it wasn't the line ahead from Waterloo you saw or the right-away signal from Liverpool Lime Street, but just rows of dead engines.
C3.
right-reading adj. that can be read without first being reversed by a mirror.
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society > communication > printing > types, blocks, or plates > blocks, plates, or transfers > [adjective] > image read after reversed by mirror > right-reading image
right-reading1955
1955 J. Ashworth Operation & Mech. of Linotype & Intertype II. xxxiii. 329 The film magazine is a holder containing the film and a mechanism for advancing it between lines... Production models will be able to produce either wrong- or right-reading positives as desired.
1967 R. R. Karch & E. J. Buber Graphic Arts Procedures: Offset Processes iv. 87 Images can be right reading or wrong (as seen in a mirror) reading to suit the process used in offset-lithography.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2010; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

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