| virtuous | 1. Possessing or exhibiting virtue. Specifically: Exhibiting manly courage and strength; valorous; valiant; brave. "Old Priam's son, amongst them all, was chiefly virtuous." (Chapman) Having power or efficacy; powerfully operative; efficacious; potent. "Lifting up his virtuous staff on high, He smote the sea, which calmed was with speed." (Spenser) "Every virtuous plant and healing herb." (Milton) Having moral excellence; characterised 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"tuously, Vir"tuousness. Origin: OE. Vertuous, OF. Vertuos, vertuous, F. Vertueux, fr. L. Virtuous. See Virtue, and cf. Virtuoso. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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