Unrightfully

adv. Now rare. [UN-¹ 11.] Without right; unjustifiably, unfairly, wrongly.

a. 1325.  Prose Psalter, cv. 6. We han wroȝt vnryȝtfullich.

c. 1374.  Chaucer, Boeth., I. met. v. (1868), 23. Anoienge folk treden … vnryȝtfully in þe nekkes of holy men.

1433.  Rolls of Parlt., IV. 455/1. Whan they been often tymes unrightfully empeched.

1470–85.  Malory, Arthur, VIII. ii. 276. That is vnryghtfully asked, said kyng Melyodas.

1513.  Bradshaw, St. Werburge, I. 336. A kynge … In batayle slayne vnryghtfully, now a martyr gloryous.

c. 1557.  Abp. Parker, Ps. xxxvi. 99. The wordes of hys mouth be unrightfully wayed.

1793.  T. Jefferson, Writ. (1859), IV. 61. Between restraining it ourselves, and permitting her enemies to restrain it unrightfully, is no difference.

1866.  Howells, Venet. Life, iv. 53. A great humbug and unrightfully in the guide-books.