birthright

Definition

Something a person is entitled to due to the circumstances of their birth, such as an inheritance or citizenship.

Etymology

From birth + right. Compare West Frisian berterjocht (“birthright”), Dutch geboorterecht (“birthright”), German Geburtsrecht (“birthright”). Compare also Icelandic frumburðarréttur (“birthright”).

Example Sentences

• "Not only has suburban life separated the great concentrated masses of our people from their birthright of meadows, fields and woods; of Nature, in her untamed splendour and mystery, most of them have never had so much as a momentary glimpse."
• "Though it's the birthright of man to unify and live his life as one / A whisper of the word will let you soar with your soul"
• "But a practically solo sequence of Dany walking through her old empty house without saying anything for minutes on end is, let’s say, a lot to ask of Emilia Clarke. She’s back at Dragonstone to reclaim her birthright, the seven or so kingdoms."