from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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:
[1913 Webster]
(a) Exhibiting manly courage and strength; valorous;
valiant; brave. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
Old Priam's son, amongst them all, was chiefly
virtuous. --Chapman.
[1913 Webster]
(b) Having power or efficacy; powerfully operative;
efficacious; potent. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
[1913 Webster]
Lifting up his virtuous staff on high,
He smote the sea, which calm['e]d was with
speed. --Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
Every virtuous plant and healing herb. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
(c) Having moral excellence; characterized by morality;
upright; righteous; pure; as, a virtuous action.
[1913 Webster]
The virtuous mind that ever walks attended
By a strong siding champion, conscience.
--Milton.
[1913 Webster]
2. Chaste; pure; -- applied especially to women.
[1913 Webster]
Mistress Ford . . . the virtuous creature, that hath
the jealous fool to her husband. --Shak.
[1913 Webster] -- {Vir"tu*ous*ly}, adv. --
{Vir"tu*ous*ness}, n.
[1913 Webster] Virulence