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virtuousadj.n. Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymon: French vertuous. Etymology: < Anglo-Norman verteus, vertous, Anglo-Norman and Old French vertuos, Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French vertuous, vertuus, Anglo-Norman and Middle French virtueus, Old French, Middle French vertueus, Middle French vertueulx, vertueux, virtueux (French vertueux ) courageous, valiant (c1100), (of a precious stone or other object) having magical power (c1180 or earlier), (of a substance) powerful, highly effective (13th cent. or earlier, frequently with reference to healing power), (of an action or miracle) mighty, powerful (1212), showing virtue in life or conduct (c1225 with reference to a person, 1412 or earlier with reference to actions), (especially of a woman) abstaining from immoral sexual activity, chaste (1374), (of a quality, property, or action) efficacious, beneficial (late 14th cent.) < post-classical Latin virtuosus good, full of virtue (late 4th cent. in Augustine), vigorous, strong, powerful, valiant (11th cent.; 13th cent. in a British source), effective, efficacious (frequently from c1100 in British sources) < classical Latin virtus virtue n. + -ōsus -ous suffix. Compare Old Occitan vertuos, Catalan virtuós (14th cent. as adjective, also as noun), Spanish virtuoso (c1250 as adjective and noun), Portuguese virtuoso (13th cent. as adjective, also as noun; also †vertuoso), Italian virtuoso (14th cent. as adjective and noun; also †vertuoso). With the use as noun compare Middle French, French vertueux virtuous person (c1370). A. adj. I. Senses relating to the moral virtue, excellence, etc., of a person, action, or quality. †1. the mind > emotion > courage > manliness > [adjective] c1330 (?a1300) (Auch.) (1973) l. 4310 For alle hem werreþ Galeus Þe riche king so vertouous. c1400 (?a1300) (Laud) (1952) l. 3320 Ne seiȝ Ich neuere so hardy kniȝth..So stronge on hors, ne so vertuouse. 1474 W. Caxton tr. (1883) iv. vi. 178 Ye shall vnderstande that they ben stronge and vertuous in bataylle. 1490 W. Caxton tr. (1885) xx. 451 ‘Brother,’ sayd reynawde, ‘I praye you that ye shewe yourselfe vertuous & stronge agenste our enmyes.’ a1500 (?c1450) xxix. 595 The slaughter [was] grete on bothe sides. Neuertheles whan Merlin saugh the saisnes so vertuouse, he ascride the kynge Ban. 1606 G. Chapman i. sig. A3 My Lord, I know too well your vertuous spirit, Take heede for Gods loue if you rowse the Bore, You come not neere him. 1619 F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher i. sig. B2 Must all men that are vertuous Thinke suddenly to match themselues with mee: I conquered him, and brauely; did I not? the world > action or operation > ability > [adjective] c1425 J. Lydgate (Augustus A.iv) iii. l. 156 (MED) With hym was his sone Achilagus..a man riȝt vertuous To fulfille þat longeth to a knyȝt. ?1483 W. Caxton tr. ii. sig. eviii It happeth oftymes that they to whome nature hath denyed..her forces or strengthes, ben better and more vertuous to gyue a good counceyl, than the other. the mind > emotion > courage > manliness > [adjective] > manly (of an act) 1485 W. Caxton in Pref. sig. iij The noble actes of chyualrye, the Ientyl and vertuous dedes that somme knyghtes vsed in tho dayes, by whyche they came to honour. 1512 R. Copland tr. Prol. The name and fame of such as were relucent in vertuous feates and triumphaunte actes of chyvalry. 1562 P. Whitehorne tr. N. Machiavelli vi. f. lxxxv Thei had appointed rewardes to euery worthie acte: as he that faighting, saued the life of one of his Citezeins,..to him that had..slaine the enemie,..and so euery vertuous act, was of the Consulles knowen and rewarded. 1653 H. Cogan tr. Diodorus Siculus v. ii. 174 The child,..catching them [sc. two Dragons] by the throat, strangled them both; for which his vertuous act, the Argives called him Hercules. 1731 D. Mallet iii. v. 46 Tho' I shun thy shameful ways of conquest; Still heaven-born glory, won by vertuous deeds, Has been my fair pursuit. 1789 R. Hole i. 3 Praise be the warrior's meed, who seeks to rise By virtuous acts, by deeds of bold emprize. 2. society > morality > virtue > [adjective] c1390 (Vernon) (1950) 16 (MED) Þat blynde wrecche..in his owne eȝen weneþ him so vertuous & is ful of vices. a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) iv. l. 2286 Bot if a man of bothe tuo Be riche and vertuous also, Thanne is he wel the more worth. c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 526 They kan nat gesse That she had doon so greet a wikkednesse For they han seyn hir euere so vertuous. 1487 (a1380) J. Barbour (St. John's Cambr.) iv. 742 He had beyn fals and couatus; Bot his vit maid him virtuous. a1500 (?a1430) J. Lydgate tr. G. Deguileville (Stowe) l. 22098 [c1475 Tiber. Byholde ȝonder a Chartrehous], An ordur that is full vertuous. c1540 (?a1400) (2002) f. 39v Venus the vertuus was verely the fairest. 1568 T. North tr. M. Aurelius in tr. A. de Guevara (rev. ed.) sig.**v Thou knowest howe contrary ingratitude is, to vertue in a vertuous house. ?1572 T. Paynell tr. ii. 36 I neuer saw a wiser, vertuouser, or a more temperate Prince. 1611 Prov. xii. 4 A vertuous woman is a crowne to her husband. View more context for this quotation 1691 J. Hartcliffe 397 It were impossible so long as Men..have a desire of their own Happiness, but they should be virtuous. 1707 tr. P. Le Lorrain de Vallemont 7 Ecclesiasticus injoins Labour and Agriculture as a Duty of virtuous Men. 1777 R. Watson I. ii. 35 Thus did this monarch, who was not less virtuous than most of his cotemporary princes, deliberately resolve to add treachery to the perjury and falsehood into which he had been betrayed. 1827 B. Disraeli III. v. xiii. 268 I have been too weak to be virtuous: but I have been tried; tried most bitterly... I was not born to be a villain. 1859 ‘G. Eliot’ II. ii. xvii. 3 Let your most faulty characters always be on the wrong side, and your virtuous ones on the right. 1943 58 381 A person is the more virtuous when his inclinations toward moral good triumph over his wicked passions. 1994 D. Bandow i. 5 Our nation's moral tone is not good; America does not seem to be a particularly virtuous place. 2000 R. Barnitt in C. Davies et al. x. 103 This does not necessarily mean that therapists are virtuous, morally excellent people who use their powers to do good. society > morality > virtue > [adjective] > specifically of actions c1400 in R. H. Robbins (1959) 144 (MED) Vertues & good lyuinge is cleped ypocrisie, trowþe & godis lawe is clepud heresie. c1432 (c1380) G. Chaucer (BL Add. 22139) (1879) l. 17 Ther may no man..Bequeth his eire his vertuous noblesse. c1480 (a1400) St. John Baptist 424 in W. M. Metcalfe (1896) II. 235 Aganis þaim..þat awantis þaim-selfe of uertuise lif. 1509 J. Fisher (de Worde) sig. Aiij Blessyd are tho whiche haue made vertuous ende and conclusyon of theyr lyfe in our lorde. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay ii. vii. 37 [They] are much giuen too musick and all other vertuous & honest exercises. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) iii. ii. 41 If his occasion were not vertuous, I should not vrge it halfe so faithfully. View more context for this quotation 1667 J. Milton viii. 550 That what she wills to do or say, Seems wisest, vertuousest, discreetest, best. View more context for this quotation 1712 R. Steele No. 500. ⁋3 There is one thing I am able to give each of them, which is a virtuous Education. 1759 S. Johnson II. xxxiii. 57 The present reward of virtuous conduct. 1839 C. Dickens i. 3 My father has got it [sc. my uncle's money] now, and is saving it up for me, which is a highly virtuous purpose. 1871 R. W. Dale Introd. 11 It is only the virtuous man who knows what is virtuous. 1936 45 156 The utilitarian view that the content of virtuous behaviour must be determined by the end. 1949 ‘G. A. Birmingham’ 58 He had for some time been planning to put a stained glass window into the church in memory of his wife. This was an entirely virtuous thing to do. 2007 M. Phillips (2008) xxxii. 210 It would be more like a cub scout good deed, a virtuous chore. the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > advice > [adjective] > exhortatory of a text, etc. society > leisure > the arts > literature > a written composition > [adjective] > moral or didactic c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer (Hengwrt) (2003) Prol. l. 38 If yow list to heere Moralitee and vertuous matere..I wole ful fayn at Cristes reuerence Do yow plesance. 1517 S. Hawes (1928) xiv. 55 He made also the tales of Caunterbury Some vertuous and some glade and mery. 1570 B. Googe tr. T. Kirchmeyer Spirituall Husbandry ii, in tr. f. 86v Let not the Greeke translation want, but stand among the rest,..that Christ of olde did preach, And with their vertuous wrytings graue, the Christian fayth did teach. 1640 W. Vaughan 342 Read vertuous Bookes, which Manners rectifie, And may help up the Soule to edifie. 1673 J. Arrowsmith iii. ii. 27 I am grievous weary of working these vertuous Stories of constant wives. 1706 (title page) Writ by a Club of Ladies, in Vindication of Virtuous Plays. 1735 R. Dodsley 40 Receive, my Lord, these virtuous Tales, Adapted to your Age. 1830 A. Cunningham (ed. 2) III. 336 A certain Isle, where virtuous songs, virtuous works of art, and virtuous people abound. 1892 Nov. 417 In this..highly virtuous story, there was but one incident which could alarm the most sensitive delicacy. 1911 20 Sept. 2/1 The propagation, not only of obscene literature as such, but of ostensible virtuous literature in the shape of novels and medical treatises which treat of the relation of the sexes. 1993 E. Guerrero ii. 51 Duke Ellington's music is depicted as sinful temptation..as opposed to the virtuous and nondescript music sung in a country church. 2000 J. Spencer ii. 93 Richardson calls on women to provide the virtuous writing that can counteract the effects of female vice. society > morality > virtue > [adjective] > specifically of disposition 1477 Earl Rivers tr. (Caxton) (1877) lf. 21v He sawe a Iong man of good and vertuouse disposicion, whiche was euil visaged. 1584 H. Llwyd & D. Powel 398 Of a good and vertuous disposition. 1602 W. S. sig. D4 He was my Maister, And each vertuous part, That liued in him, I tenderd with my hart. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) i. i. 169 Slen... If I be drunke, Ile be drunke with those that haue the feare of God, and not with drunken knaues. Euan. So got-udge me, that is a vertuous [printed vertuons] minde. View more context for this quotation 1637 J. Milton 8 These thoughts may startle well, but not astound The vertuous mind. 1664 N. Ingelo vi. 345 Many Vertuous Dispositions are fair Resemblances of the Divine Perfections. 1731 T. Chubb 62 Men thus behold the beauty and amiableness of a virtuous character in the person of another. 1780 A. Hamilton Let. 25 Sept. in (1961) II. 442 A virtuous mind cannot long esteem a base one. a1822 P. B. Shelley Dæmon of World ii, in (1877) III. 373 The bliss..Which..Draws on the virtuous mind. 1864 17 Dec. 127/2 Those virtuous characteristics which belong to him as a regenerated being. 1914 A. S. M. Chishol vii. 150 Among men it [sc. moral purity] was considered an intellectual attainment, among women it was mainly the impulse of a virtuous nature. 2008 25 96 It is difficult for someone without a virtuous disposition to make a right choice. 1640 sig. C6 On a vertuous talker. If vertue's alwaies in thy mouth, how can It ere have time to reach thy heart? 1858 18 Sept. 271/1 The Pharisee..well knows that secular statesmen will, at their own risk and guilt, protect him from the consequences of this virtuous zeal. 1869 17 July 72/2 For combined prudery and nastiness, there is nothing like a virtuous leader, or an indignant critique, in their pet Morning Harpy. 1907 G. B. Shaw p. liv The virtuous indignation with which Judge Lynch..preened himself at its expense. 1962 4 Oct. ii. 8 A virtuous, pedantic hypocrite. 2002 J. F. McDonald (new ed.) v. 38 ‘Don't be so vulgar.’ ‘Don't be so fucking virtuous.’ the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > [adjective] > diligent or industrious c1450 J. Capgrave (Arun. 396) (1893) iv. l. 33 (MED) The virtuous bees in þis hyve haue portrayed her diuers cellis of hony and of wax. 1725 A. Ramsay i. ii. 13 I've heard my honest Uncle aften say, That Lads should a' for Wives that's vertuous pray: For the maist thrifty Man cou'd never get A well stor'd Room unless his Wife wad let. 1825 W. Scott in J. Jamieson at Vertue Her daughter was the most virtuous woman in the parish, for that week she had spun sax spyndles of yarn. the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous forms of address or title > [adjective] ?1473 W. Caxton in tr. R. Le Fèvre (1894) I. Pref. lf. 1 The right hye myghty and vertuouse Pryncesse hys redoubtyd lady, Margarete by the grace of god, Duchesse of Bourgoyne. ?1533 G. Du Wes sig. Aiv Most illustre ryght exellente and ryght vertuouse lady, my lady Mary of Englande. 1588 T. Kyd tr. T. Tasso Ded. To the worshipfull and vertuous Gentleman Maister Thomas Reade Esquier, health and all happines. 1616 W. Mure xvii. (title) Epitaph of the wery excellent, vertuouse..trulie honoured Lady, the Lady Arnestoun. a1684 J. Evelyn anno 1668 (1955) III. 505 I saw the Trajedie of Horace (written by the virtuous Mrs. Philips). 1737 J. Miller ii. 4 Have a Respect unto the approaching Nuptials of my Friend Sir John Love-rhyme, and the virtuous Lady Toothless. 1780 (title) To the virtuous free independent patriotic band of burgesses of Newcastle. 1877 H. Collins i. 13 So much of his lands as were restored to his family by the most virtuous Queen Mary of England. 2008 T. Stretton (2009) 378 What of the virtuous Lady Jilka? He doubted that age would have improved her temper, if she still lived. 5. society > morality > virtue > purity > chastity > [adjective] > chaste > of women a1600 R. Lindsay (1899) I. 157 Quene Margarit was werie wyse and werteous in hir husbandis tyme, bot sune efter his deid..scho became leichorous of hir body. 1632 in S. R. Gardiner (1886) 265 That she being a vertuous and a chaste lady, he called her whore often tymes. 1749 T. Smollett tr. A. R. Le Sage I. ii. vii. 146 Mergellina being..withal so savagely virtuous, that she could not so much as endure the look of a man. 1866 Jan. 52 She has made a vow to remain virtuous until she is seventeen. 1871 J. Cook 61/1 All the others [sc. girls] were bad—so bad that no virtuous young man could remain in the room with them any length of time and remain virtuous. 1907 S. T. Byington tr. M. Stirner i. 71 A virtuous man may pass the time in fighting his natural impulses till he has perhaps dulled them, he may castrate himself for the sake of virtue. 1967 No. 38. 10/3 Quandong, a girl who makes a practice of remaining virtuous after being wined and dined. 2004 J. M. Theiss vi. 143 Either the woman was unvirtuous to begin with and did not avoid contact with the man..or, she was virtuous and fell victim to rape. society > morality > virtue > purity > chastity > modesty or decency > [adjective] > characterized by modesty a1731 J. Hughes (1737) 43 Her modest Looks with virtuous Blushes dy'd. a1824 Ld. Byron Don Juan Ded. in (1833) XV. 104 Your bays may hide the boldness of your brows—Perhaps some virtuous blushes. 1889 K. D. Hughes 158 A virtuous blush spread over her face. 1919 I. Goldberg tr. D. Pinski 103 The fair daughters of Zion, with graceful gestures and virtuous blushes, showered him with flowers. 2001 E. S. Cohen & T. V. Cohen vi. 91 A quiet bearing, modestly downcast eyes, and a self-conscious, virtuous blush. the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > scholarly knowledge, erudition > [adjective] a1680 S. Butler (1759) I. 10 Most excellent and virtuous Friends, This great Discovery makes amends For all our unsuccessful Pains. 1795 July 68/2 The nature, origin, and properties of colours, in all their infinite varieties, would afford inexhaustible subjects of contemplation; curious to the speculative enquirer, and instructive to the virtuous philosopher. 1920 Jan. 57/2 Perhaps he hasn't even satisfied his appetite which fact makes him feel virtuous and abstemious. 1938 23 Nov. 8/3 The virtuous eater of some greenstuffs. 1975 19 June 26/1 If you really want to be virtuous, dress your salad with lemon juice which has too few calories to bother counting. 1980 21 Jan. 41/3 After consuming a hunk of almost any brand of carrot cake you will feel much more virtuous than after consuming the same amount of chocolate velvet cake. 2009 J. Kellerman vii. 56 Maybe lamb was better than beef, cholesterol-wise. Another hour of lifting and a run would keep him virtuous. II. Senses relating to the efficacy or excellence of a thing. 8. the world > action or operation > advantage > efficacy > [adjective] > greatly the world > action or operation > advantage > efficacy > [adjective] > having force or power 1340 (1866) 113 Me zayþ þet hit [sc. sacramental bread] is ope substance þet is uirtuous and substanciel aboue onderstondigge. a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) vii. l. 1548 Word above alle erthli thinges Is vertuous in his doinges, Wher so it be to evele or goode. c1400 (?a1300) (Laud) (1952) l. 5235 Hij maden fyres vertuous Fyue hundreþ, vche gret als an hous. 1590 C. Marlowe sig. C3 For neither rain can fall vpon the earth, Nor Sun reflexe his vertuous beames thereon. 1598 G. Chapman tr. Homer iv. 22 Then wil I to Olimpus top our vertuous engine binde, And by it euerie thing shall hang. 1629 A. Symmer i. iii. 13 Behold the timely vertuous presence of Gods Providence. 1751 R. O. Cambridge 15 The sacred influence of his [sc. the sun's] virtuous ray Exalts thine essence. the world > health and disease > healing > medicines or physic > [adjective] > efficacious > supremely effective > of herbs the world > health and disease > healing > medicines or physic > medical preparations of specific origin > medicine composed of a plant > [adjective] > of herbs: potent or efficacious the world > health and disease > healing > medicines or physic > [adjective] > efficacious > supremely effective a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) vii. l. 1327 And ek his herbe in special The vertuous Fenele it is. c1475 (Folger) (1969) l. 92 The wedys of synne yt makyt to flee, And swete wertuus herbys in þe sowll sprynge. 1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens v. xxv. 584 The leaues [of mallow] are good for all the greefes aforesayde,..yet they be nothing so vertuous as the roote. 1582 P. Levens sig. Y.iv This is a vertuous Quintescens or water of life to heale all infirmities. a1626 J. Davies Let. in (1876) I. p. xlviii Least the intention of to much Reading hinder the working of those vertuous drugs. 1694 W. Salmon i. ii. 48/1 By that means you will have a very strong and virtuous Spirit. 1725 A. Pope tr. Homer I. iv. 203 Charm'd with that virtuous draught, th'exalted mind All sense of woe delivers to the wind. 1772 J. Cosens I. 27 He, With passive Stomach, takes whate'er of Gums, Fossil, or Mineral, or virtuous Plant, The Master's Mind, sagacious, could prescribe. a1864 N. Hawthorne (1872) 130 It is the most virtuous liquor that ever was. 1884 R. Browning vi. 46 By application of a virtuous root The burning has abated. 1901 S. M. C. D. Graham iii. 44 Surely your fertile brain has named the virtuous draught... I never tasted any cordial half so exhilarating. 2010 S. Fletcher iii. i. 142 I left all-heal for them... Does its name not say what a virtuous herb it is? the world > health and disease > healing > medicines or physic > [adjective] > efficacious > supremely effective > of stones the world > the supernatural > the occult > sorcery, witchcraft, or magic > enchantment or casting spells > [adjective] > having occult healing properties > of precious stones a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xvi. liii. 854 Þe [more] like iacinctus is to saphire in colour..þe more vertuous is it. c1400 (?c1390) (1967) l. 2027 His cote wyth þe conysaunce of þe clere werkez Ennurned vpon veluet, vertuuus [Davis corrects to vertuus] stonez. 1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine f. ccxiiijv/1 A Margaryte, whyche gemme is white, lytyl and vertuouse... The virtu of thys stone is sayd to be ayenst effusyon of blood. c1515 Ld. Berners tr. (1882–7) cxlix. 562 The stone was so vertuous that none coud esteme the valure therof. 1590 E. Spenser ii. xii. sig. Bb2v Streight way he with his vertuous staffe them strooke, And streight of beastes they comely men became. 1626 F. Bacon §499 There is a virtuous Bezoar and another without virtu which appear to the show alike. 1645 J. Milton Il Penseroso in 41 Canace.., That own'd the vertuous Ring and Glass. 1872 C. W. King 194 Moss-agate, a most virtuous stone (as Orpheus teaches). 2008 M. Meserve 244 Their kingdoms held no marvels, no miraculous relics or virtuous stones. the world > action or operation > advantage > efficacy > [adjective] a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 185 Touchynge þe þridde liknesse [of the world to man's body], þat is vertuous worchynge [L. virtualis operatio]..þe world was at þe begynnynge þryuynge..So in a mannys ȝowþe þe body is þryuynge. a1475 (?a1430) J. Lydgate tr. G. Deguileville (Vitell.) l. 3427 (MED) Ye may ther..Maken thynges fresshe of hewe, And whan ye lyst, transforme hem newe, Your power ys so vertuous. a1500 ( J. Yonge tr. (Rawl.) (1898) 246 Therfor the dygestion is the bettyr and more vertuose in wyntyr than in any othyr tyme. 1600 W. Shakespeare iii. ii. 368 Then crush this hearbe into Lysanders eye; Whose liquor hath this vertuous property, To take from thence all errour. View more context for this quotation 1667 J. Milton iii. 608 With one vertuous touch Th' Arch-chimic Sun so farr from us remote Produces..so many precious things. View more context for this quotation 1748 L. Pilkington II. 11 Each healing Stream, each Plant of virtuous Use. 1813 W. Scott i. 14 Yet the soil..Had depth and vigour to bring forth The hardier fruits of virtuous worth. 1816 S. T. Coleridge i. 14 It is a wine of virtuous powers; My mother made it of wild flowers. 1906 21 Nov. 407/1 The universal liking of tea is the surest proof of its virtuous qualities,..combining, as it does, all the stimulating properties of alcohol, the power to enliven, [etc.]. the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adjective] c1425 (c1400) l. 9462 (MED) For now is non so glorious, Ne non In this world so vertuous, As Ilion was the while it stode. a1450 (Faust.) (1883) l. 1171 Harp he couthe & syng welle þerto, & carff welle ymagus, & peyntede bothe—Suche virtuose werkus he wolde welle do. c1475 in (1913) 130 311 The dove..Vnto the erthe she toke hir flyte And sang a song full gracious, Of all songes most verteous. 1911 E. Miles iv. 39 The protective barriers will differ in different people, and, in the same person, according to the food taken, the state of mind and energy, and other conditions. When we are tired, and a dull, even though a very virtuous, meal is put before us, our gastric juice is weak. 1969 H. A. Davis iii. 31 Unless you're in control, your virtuous salad may wind up being anything but. 1975 J. Russ 8 I know it's supposed to be virtuous to run healthily through fields of flowers, but I like bars. 1993 (Nexis) 13 Nov. Reusing a bottle is seen as even more virtuous than recycling a carton. 1999 C. B. Divakaruni ii. xvi. 288 Sunil comes home and makes us a virtuous, balanced meal of rice and low-salt dal and such. 2006 14 Nov. 26/2 A car chase involving a virtuous little Smart Car. B. n.society > morality > virtue > [noun] > virtuous or morally excellent person > collectively a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) vii. l. 4006 He putte awey the vicious And tok to him the vertuous. c1425 J. Lydgate (Augustus A.iv) iii. 4396 Þouȝ þat þer be oon Of gouernaunce þat be vicious! For þer ageyn a þousand vertuous, ȝif þat ȝe liste, liȝtly ȝe may fynde. 1589 T. Nashe sig. Biiiiv The acts of the ventrous, and the praise of the vertuous. 1597 T. Morley Ded. sig. A2 A second being..causing vs liue in the mindes of the vertuous, as it were, deified to the posteritie. 1651 T. Hobbes iv. xlvi. 373 As if the Vertuous, and their Vertues could be asunder. 1685 W. Petty Will in E. Fitzmaurice (1895) 319 I obtained my degree of Doctor of Phisick in Oxford, and forthwith thereupon to be admitted into the College of Phisitians, London, and into severall clubbs of the virtuous. a1711 T. Ken Urania in (1721) IV. 498 They priz'd an humble modest Air, Sang more the Virtuous than the Fair. a1774 A. Tucker (1777) III. i. v. 158 If you do not allow them the commerce of women as vicious as themselves, they will use all their art and industry to seduce the virtuous. a1811 J. Leyden (1819) 254 The soft descending dews of sleep, That bathe the virtuous in serene repose. 1846 A. Marsh II. viii. 137 The esteem of the noble and virtuous I would still retain. 1929 May 578/2 Let us..compare the abodes of the virtuous and those of their more accessible sisters. 1998 D. Brin 358 Culling the virtuous from the wicked on Judgment Day. Compoundssociety > morality > virtue > [adjective] > specifically of disposition ?1449–50 Petition in (1767–77) V. 206/1 By ther Founders and other vertuous disposed persones. 1582 A. Munday sig. D.viii A great deale more talke they had, so trayterous and horrible: that no godlie and vertuous minded, can suffer to heare it. 1608 J. Day sig. I4 Who would haue thought such treachery could rest, In such a smoothe and vertuous seeming brest? 1654 R. Whitlock 347 Becoming..as virtuous-making a Pattern among Wives, as she was before among Virgins. 1727 C. Beckingham 28 Your Lordship, and all virtuous disposed Souls, would rejoice to see his past miseries recompensed with his Life. a1788 J. Mylne (1790) 341 Thou virtuous seeming bard! Thou hoary hypocrite! 1807 52 469/2 Those, on whom the virtuous-minded Muse Ne'er breath'd a portion of her hallow'd fire. 1854 H. Milford II. iv. 64 The curate was not wanting in his attentions, and virtuous-hearted man, he piously endeavoured to confer..comfort. 1959 S. Spender tr. F. Schiller iii. iv. 63 I did not hide my sinful deeds behind The false show of a virtuous-seeming face. 1990 8 Sept. 15/1 A virtuous-looking excuse to build a hegemony. C2. the world > action or operation > advantage > [noun] > beneficial influence > cycle of 1903 Nov. 683 We are taught by Ruskin a virtuous circle of virtuous efficacy. 1920 W. de la Mare 26 Life to poetry, poetry to life—that is one of the few virtuous circles. 1982 6 May 18/4 The rating reflects the company's virtuous circle—years of store building and modernization leading to productivity gains, which allow it to hold prices lower than its rivals but still make a better margin of 4·5 per cent. 2005 C. Newbrook 140 We believe in the virtuous circle of meritocracy. the world > action or operation > advantage > [noun] > beneficial influence > cycle of 1922 June 333/1 We hear a great deal about vicious cycles, but here is a virtuous cycle. The more you use—the cheaper it becomes—the cheaper it becomes the more uses it pays to put it to. 1971 33 742/1 Intellectuals have a responsibility to create utopian images of the future, so they may act as virtuous cycles, as self-fulfilling prophecies. 1998 12 June i. 19/2 Our economy is still enjoying a virtuous cycle. the world > action or operation > advantage > [noun] > beneficial influence > cycle of 1924 J. S. Huxley in 6 Sept. 326/1 Subsequent progress was in what, on the analogy of a vicious circle, we might call a ‘virtuous spiral’, each advance in sensory power making it advantageous to develop greater delicacy in the brain centres, and vice versa. 2007 17 175 A virtuous spiral of reflective enquiry and action. Derivatives 1699 Ld. Shaftesbury i. iii. 57 This belief of a God dispensing Rewards and Punishments.., is not of it self directly the cause of Virtue; tho it may be perhaps of a virtuous-like Behavior. 1868 R. Browning II. iv. 11 Leave old crimes to grow young and virtuous-like. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2013; most recently modified version published online March 2022). <  adj.n.c1330 |
