virtu

Noun
Synonyms: vertuconnoisseurship

WordNet 3.0

Noun (3)

  1. love of or taste for fine objects of artSynonyms: vertuconnoisseurship
  2. artistic qualitySynonyms: vertu
  3. objet d'art collectively (especially fine antiques)
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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. [1913 Webster]

An article of virtu, or a piece of virtu an object of art or antiquity; a curiosity, such as those found in museums or private collections. [1913 Webster]

I had thoughts, in my chambers to place it in view, To be shown to my friends as a piece of virt[`u].— Goldsmith.[1913 Webster]
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