from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Virtu \Vir*tu"\ (?; 277), n. [It. virt[`u] virtue, excellence,
from L. virtus. See {Virtue}.]
A love of the fine arts; a taste for curiosities. --J.
Spence.
[1913 Webster]
{An article of virtu}, or {a piece of virtu} an object of art
or antiquity; a curiosity, such as those found in museums
or private collections.
[1913 Webster]
I had thoughts, in my chambers to place it in view,
To be shown to my friends as a piece of virt[`u].
--Goldsmith.
[1913 Webster]