virtu

American  

[ver-too, vur-too] / vərˈtu, ˈvɜr tu /

Or vertu

noun

1. excellence or merit in objects of art, curios, and the like.

2. (used with a plural verb)  such objects or articles collectively.

3. a taste for or knowledge of such objects.

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virtu British  

/ vɜːˈtuː /

noun

1. a taste or love for curios or works of fine art; connoisseurship

2. such objects collectively

3. the quality of being rare, beautiful, or otherwise appealing to a connoisseur (esp in the phrases articles of virtu; objects of virtu )

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Etymology

Origin of virtu

First recorded in 1715–25; from Italian virtù, vertù “worth, maleness, strength”; virtue

Example Sentences

“The motto of my battalion was Ne desit virtus – Let valor not fail.”

From The Guardian

Small articles of virtu, as jewelry, trinkets, etc.

From Project Gutenberg

In connexion with the natural history society there is a valuable museum, and the scientific institute possesses a large library and a rich collection of antiquities, coins and articles of virtu.

From Project Gutenberg

It may be the foundation of a set of bronzes, if stout Lord Walter should turn to virtu.

From Project Gutenberg

Not only articles of virtu, but also artists themselves, were sent over to this country from the continent, who displayed their skill in building temples, making images, decorating shrines with fresco paintings, and so forth.

From Project Gutenberg