virtu noun. [vǝ:'tu:] Also vertu, virtù. E18.
[Italian virtù VIRTUE. The form vertu alt. as if from French.]
1. A love of or interest in works of art; a knowledge of or expertise in the fine arts; the fine arts as a subject of study or interest. E18.
article of virtu, object of virtu an article interesting because of its antiquity, quality of workmanship, etc.; an antique, a curio. man of virtu, gentleman of virtua connoisseur, a virtuoso.

2. collect. Objects of art; curios. M18.
Times A sale of virtu which had only 8 per cent bought in.

3. The strength or worth inherent in a person or thing; esp. inherent moral worth or virtue. M20.
■ N. Annan A society that seemed..hypocritical, cowardly and without virtu.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲