English Dictionary: virtuous | by the DICT Development Group |
2 results for virtuous | |
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]: | |
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: | |
Virtuous \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 calm[82]d 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. |