n.
Pronunciation: ' v ə r-( ˌ )chü
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English vertu, virtu, from Anglo-French, from Latin virtut-, virtus strength, manliness, virtue, from vir man ― more at VIRILE
Date: 13th century
1 a : conformity to a standard of right : MORALITY b : a particular moral excellence
2 plural : an order of angels ― see CELESTIAL HIERARCHY
3 : a beneficial quality or power of a thing
4 : manly strength or courage : VALOR
5 : a commendable quality or trait : MERIT
6 : a capacity to act : POTENCY
7 : chastity especially in a woman
– vir · tue · less \ -( ˌ )chü-l ə s \ adjective
– by virtue of or in virtue of : through the force of : by authority of