virtue

virtue
   the property of not having copulated extramaritally
   Literally, conformity with all moral standards, but in this use of women since the 16th century, and in the centuries subsequently when wives were expected to be virtuous:
    Their triumphs over the virtue of girls... (Mayhew, 1851)
    Betimes in the morning I will beseech the virtuous Desdemona. (Shakespeare, Othello)

How not to say what you mean: A dictionary of euphemisms. . 2014.

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  • Virtue — (Latin virtus ; Greek Polytonic|ἀρετή) is moral excellence. Personal virtues are characteristics valued as promoting individual and collective well being, and thus good by definition. The opposite of virtue is vice.Etymologically the word virtue… …   Wikipedia

  • Virtue — • According to its etymology the word virtue (Latin virtus) signifies manliness or courage Catholic Encyclopedia. Kevin Knight. 2006. Virtue     Virtue      …   Catholic encyclopedia

  • Virtue — Vir tue (?; 135), n. [OE. vertu, F. vertu, L. virtus strength, courage, excellence, virtue, fr. vir a man. See {Virile}, and cf. {Virtu}.] 1. Manly strength or courage; bravery; daring; spirit; valor. [Obs.] Shak. [1913 Webster] Built too strong… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • virtue — [vʉr′cho͞o] n. [ME vertue < OFr vertu, virtue, goodness, power < L virtus, manliness, worth < vir, man: see WEREWOLF] 1. general moral excellence; right action and thinking; goodness or morality 2. a specific moral quality regarded as… …   English World dictionary

  • virtue — (n.) early 13c., moral life and conduct, moral excellence, vertu, from Anglo French and O.Fr. vertu, from L. virtutem (nom. virtus) moral strength, manliness, valor, excellence, worth, from vir man (see VIRILE (Cf. virile)). For my part I honour… …   Etymology dictionary

  • virtue — ► NOUN 1) behaviour showing high moral standards. 2) a morally good or desirable quality. 3) a good or useful quality of a thing. 4) archaic virginity or chastity. ● by virtue of Cf. ↑by virtue of …   English terms dictionary

  • virtue of — ▪ Through the power, force, or efficacy of ▪ Because of ▪ On account of ● virtue …   Useful english dictionary

  • virtue — index caliber (quality), ethics, honesty, honor (good reputation), integrity, merit, probity …   Law dictionary

  • virtue — 1 *goodness, morality, rectitude Analogous words: honor, *honesty, integrity, probity: *fidelity, piety, fealty, loyalty: righteousness, nobility, virtuousness (see corresponding adjectives at MORAL) Antonyms: vice 2 * …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • virtue — [n] honor, integrity advantage, asset, character, charity, chastity, consideration, credit, ethic, ethicality, ethicalness, excellence, faith, faithfulness, fineness, fortitude, generosity, goodness, good point*, high mindedness, hope, ideal,… …   New thesaurus

  • virtue — 01. Humility is considered an important [virtue] in many Far Eastern cultures. 02. Her religious beliefs have always been the principal force guiding her [virtuous] behavior. 03. It is important for the children to learn the [virtue] of hard work …   Grammatical examples in English

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