Virtu n. A love of the fine arts; a taste for curiosities.
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. "I had thoughts, in my chambers to place it in view, To be shown to my friends as a piece of virtù."
... appeared, ostentatiously dressed and escorted by Mr. Richards, the Vice-President of the Alpha and Omega Club, who seemed to be fairly steady on his legs and was presently absorbed in an artistic examination of a number of silver ornaments, crucifixes, relics and suchlike objects of virtu, which the Duchess had gathered together. He handled them like a connoisseur. Others of that institution had promised to attend the party but, on being overhauled by the conscientious Vice-President, were found to be unpresentable at ... — South Wind • Norman Douglas
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