\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.
{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 virt[`u].
                                               --Goldsmith.