Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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Virtuous (Page: 1613)

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.

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.