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.

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