Just horrible giving leading female the boot (8)
I believe the answer is:
rightful
'just' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rightful that I've seen before include "Legitimate, fitting" , "Legitimately claimed" , "Proper - legitimate" , "Legitimate - deserved" , "Proper, due" .)