Virt'u-ōus, a.
(vĭrt′/yū-us), a. [Fr. vertueux, O. Fr. vertuos, Pr. vertuos, vertudos, Sp., Pg., & It. virtuoso. See VIRTUE.]
Sense 1. Possessing or exhibiting virtue; as, (a.) Of manly courage and strength; valorous; brave. [Obs.]
Old Priam's son, among them all, was chiefly virtuous. Chapman.
(b.) Having special power or efficacy; powerfully operative; efficacious; potent. [Rare.] “Every virtuous plant and healing herb.” Milton.
Lifting his virtuous staff on high, He smote the sea, which calmed was with speed. Spenser.
Sense 2. Showing moral virtue or excellence; excellent; good; blameless; morally right; righteous; as, a virtuous action; a virtuous life. “Mistress Ford . . . the virtuous creature, that hath the jealous fool to her husband.” Shak.
The virtuous mind that ever walks attended By a strong-siding champion, conscience. Milton.
The mere performance of virtuous actions does not denominate an agent virtuous. Price.
Sense 3. Chaste; pure; — applied to women.