virˈtuous adjective

1. Having virtue
2. Morally good
3. Blameless
4. Righteous
5. Practising duty
6. According to moral law
7. Chaste

virˈtuously adverb

virˈtuousness noun

virˈtue-proof (Milton vertue-) adjective

Impregnable in virtue

virtuous circle noun

A process by which something good or beneficial is enhanced by its own consequences, opp to vicious circle

by (or in) virtue of

1. Through the power, force, or efficacy of
2. Because of
3. On account of

make a virtue of necessity

To do as if from a sense of duty (or with a sense of duty called in for the occasion) something unpleasant one is forced to do

seven principal virtues

Faith, hope, charity, justice, prudence, temperance, and fortitude, the first three being the theological, the last four the moral virtues

the cardinal virtues see under cardinal