Vir"tu*ous (?; 135), a. [OE. vertuous, OF. vertuos, vertuous, F. vertueux, fr. L. Virtuous. See Virtue, and cf. Virtuoso.] 1. Possessing or exhibiting virtue. Specifically: --
(a) Exhibiting manly courage and strength; valorous; valiant; brave. [Obs.]
Old Priam's son, amongst them all, was chiefly virtuous.
Chapman.
(b) Having power or efficacy; powerfully operative; efficacious; potent. [Obs.]
Chaucer.
Lifting up his virtuous staff on high,
He smote the sea, which calm'ed was with speed.
Spenser.
Every virtuous plant and healing herb.
Milton.
(c) Having moral excellence; characterized by morality; upright; righteous; pure; as, a virtuous action.
The virtuous mind that ever walks attended
By a strong siding champion, conscience.
Milton.
2. Chaste; pure; -- applied especially to women.
Mistress Ford . . . the virtuous creature, that hath the jealous fool to her husband.
Shak.
-- Vir"tu*ous*ly, adv. -- Vir"tu*ous*ness, n.
© Webster 1913. | 
