virtuous Meaning, Definition & Usage

adjective morally excellent
adjective satellite in a state of sexual virginity
virginal; virgin; vestal; pure.
- pure and vestal modesty
- a spinster or virgin lady
- men have decreed that their women must be pure and virginal

OE. vertuous, OF. vertuos, vertuous, F. vertueux, fr. L. Virtuous. See Virtue, and cf. Virtuoso.

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 calméd 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.
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.