ˈvərchəwəs, ˈvə̄ch-, ˈvəich- adjective
Etymology: Middle English virtuous, vertuous, from Middle French virtueus, vertueus, from Late Latin virtuosus, from virtus strength, virtue + -osus -ous — more at virtue
1. obsolete : displaying valor : brave , valiant
2. : capable of bringing forth a powerful effect : having potent usually beneficial qualities : efficacious
3. : having or exhibiting virtue : acting in a just way and in accordance with moral laws : devoid of wickedness
a virtuous man
4. : characterized by virtue : morally excellent : righteous
virtuous indignation is a powerful stimulant but a dangerous diet — G.B.Shaw
his eyes wild with virtuous anger — Joseph Conrad
5. : chaste , pure
would have known all about those young girls … whether they were still virtuous , what books they read — Aldous Huxley
Synonyms: see moral