1. by rights - Adverb
2. by rights - Phrase
with reason or justice
Source: WordNetThe thinkers of the world should by rights be guardians of the world's mirth. Agnes Repplier
By rights he was still outrunning his age, still ahead of most men nearing threescore years, but he knew deep in his heart that there would never be any way of running fast enough. Scott Lynch
Coffee is a way of stealing time that should by rights belong to your older self. Terry Pratchett
By rights you're a king. If I was you, I'd call for a new deal. O. Henry
For my part, I do not feel that the scheme of future happiness, which ought by rights to be in preparation for me, will be at all interfered with by my not meeting again the man I have in my. mind. James Payn
Nobility is defined by the demands it makes on us - by obligations, not by rights. José Ortega y Gasset