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 calméd 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.
Hear it pronounced