virtu

or ver·tu

[ ver-too, vur-too ]

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.

virtu

/ 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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of virtu¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of virtu¹

C18: from Italian virtù; see virtue

Example Sentences

On every side was to be seen rich hangings and articles of virtu.

From Project Gutenberg

That is a country replete with articles of virtu, the only thing is to find them.

From Project Gutenberg

There were gorgeous carpets and hangings, frescoed ceilings, spurious objects of virtu, and pier-tables loaded with ornaments.

From Project Gutenberg

Serendipity, sėr-en-dip′i-ti, n. a love for rare old books and other articles of virtu.

From Project Gutenberg

Of Consul Smith I am unable to present the lover of virtu with any particulars more acceptable than the following.

From Project Gutenberg