Virtu \Vir*tu"\ (?; 277), n. [It. virt[`u] virtue, excellence,
from L. virtus. See Virtue.]
A love of the fine arts; a taste for curiosities. --J.
Spence.
An article, or piece, of virtu, an object of art or
antiquity; a curiosity, such as those found in museums or
private collections.
I had thoughts, in my chambers to place it in view,
To be shown to my friends as a piece of virt[`u].
--Goldsmith.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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