VIRTU

Vir‐tu″ (?; 277), n. [[It. virtù 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 virtù. Goldsmith.