See Also: virtuous(medicine)
virtuous(dictionary)
virtuous(dictionary)

on-ding (iou) and virtuous (iou)


on-ding (iou)



on-ding noun. Scot. L18.
[from ON- + DING verb1.]
A heavy fall of rain or snow.

virtuous (iou)



virtuous adjective & noun. ME.
[Old French vertuous, (also mod.) vertueux from late Latin virtuosus, from Latin virtus VIRTUE: see -OUS.]
A. adjective.
I. Of a person, a person's conduct, etc.
Distinguished by manly qualities; full of courage; valiant. ME-E17.
b. Of an act: displaying a manly spirit; brave, heroic. rare. M16-M17.
Possessing or showing virtue in life and conduct; acting with moral rectitude or in conformity with moral standards and principles; free from vice, immorality, or wickedness; upright, good, righteous. ME.
virtuous circle [after vicious circle s.v. CIRCLE noun 12] a recurring cycle of events, the result of each one being to increase the beneficial effect of the next.
I. Murdoch I've seen your love life..tempting our virtuous leader to sodomy. P. Theroux He woke feeling..almost virtuous, as though..purified.
b. Esp. of a woman: chaste. LME.
c. Used as a title of courtesy, esp. in addressing a woman of rank or eminence. M16-L17.
d. Diligent, industrious. Scot. E18.
Characterized by or of the Nature of virtue; conforming to moral law or principles; morally good; estimable, worthy. LME.
D. Lodge He ought to be feeling a virtuous indignation at their adultery. M. Forster A life below stairs quite unlike her own virtuous existence.
II. Of a thing, its effect, etc.
Producing or capable of producing (great) effect; powerful, potent, strong. arch. ME.
Milton With one vertuous touch Th'Arch-chimick Sun..Produces..precious things.
Endowed with or possessing inherent virtue or power, esp. of a magical or supernatural kind; potent in effect or influence; spec. having potent medicinal properties; efficacious. arch. ME.
Browning Cutting the roots of many a virtuous herb To solace..mortals!
b. absol. as noun. Virtuous people as a class. Usu. with the. LME.
virtuously adverb LME.
virtuousness noun LME.