Main Entry: vir·tue

Pronunciation: \ˈvər-(ˌ)chü\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English vertu, virtu, from Anglo-French, from Latin virtut-, virtus strength, manliness, virtue, from vir man — more at virile

Date: 13th century

1 a : conformity to a standard of right : morality b : a particular moral excellence
2 plural : an order of angels — see celestial hierarchy
3 : a beneficial quality or power of a thing
4 : manly strength or courage : valor
5 : a commendable quality or trait : merit
6 : a capacity to act : potency
7 : chastity especially in a woman

— vir·tue·less \-(ˌ)chü-ləs\ adjective

— by virtue of or in virtue of : through the force of : by authority of