from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Virtuoso \Vir`tu*o"so\, n.; pl. {Virtuosos}; It. {Virtuosi}.
[It. See {Virtuous}.]
1. One devoted to virtu; one skilled in the fine arts, in
antiquities, and the like; a collector or ardent admirer
of curiosities, etc.
[1913 Webster]
Virtuoso the Italians call a man who loves the noble
arts, and is a critic in them. --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Mus.) A performer on some instrument, as the violin or
the piano, who excels in the technical part of his art; a
brilliant concert player.
[1913 Webster]