ˈvər(ˌ)chü, ˈvə̄(-, ˈvəi(-, chiefly in southern United States -_chə noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English vertu, virtu, from Old French, from Latin virtut-, virtus strength, manliness, virtue, from vir man — more at virile
1.
a. : moral practice or action : conformity to a standard of right (as divine law or the highest good) : moral excellence : integrity of character : uprightness of conduct : rectitude , morality
virtue is not to be considered in the light of mere innocence, or abstaining from harm, but as the exertion of our faculties in doing good — Joseph Butler
virtue is its own reward
as
(1) : wisdom based on a knowledge of the good that makes one act in accordance with the good
(2) : a habit involving the choice of excellence in conduct with the excellence being realized in a mean between excess and defect
b. : a particular moral excellence
the very virtue of compassion — Shakespeare
— see cardinal virtue , natural virtue , theological virtue
2.
a. archaic : supernatural power or influence exerted by a divine being
b. virtues plural , usually capitalized : an order of angels in various medieval descriptions of celestial hierarchies
3. : a particular beneficial quality or efficacy in something
a large spring of unusually fine water … credited with unusual virtues — American Guide Series: Maine
certain herbs have greater virtue when they are picked at midnight — Robert Graves
4. : manly strength or courage : valor
5. : a characteristic, quality, or trait known or felt to be excellent : merit , value , worth
unquestioned faith in the virtue of the cause he served — C.L.Becker
the house is a graceful structure, built simply when simplicity was not considered a virtue — American Guide Series: Minnesota
6. : an active quality or power whether of physical or of moral nature : the capacity or power adequate to the production of a given effect : energy , potency , strength
the virtue to hold up her head and look the Square in the face — Arnold Bennett
the rare virtue of being able to face up to any storm without hesitation — M.S.Handler
7. : an ability or accomplishment
8. : chastity , purity ; especially : the chastity of a woman
the same grim jealousy it shows toward the virtue of its young women — Newsweek
Synonyms: see excellence
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- by virtue of