virtue

noun10

1. •
   The idea of all that is good or excellent (in every sense of those terms) in a human being, collectively instantiated by a varying number of human traits known as "the virtues", the enumeration of which vary by the many virtue systems which have developed within different cultures, religions, and historical periods.
2. •
   Accordance with moral principles; conformity of behaviour or thought with the strictures of morality; good moral conduct.

   • Without virtue, there is no freedom.
3. •
   Specifically, moral conduct in sexual behaviour, especially of women; chastity.
4. •
   An inherently advantageous or excellent quality of something or someone; a favourable point, an advantage.

   • There were divers other plants, which I had no notion of or understanding about, that might, perhaps, have virtues of their own, which I could not find out. — 1719
5. •
   An attribute of a personality (a "personality trait") which predisposes a person to behaviors resulting in human goodness; an admirable quality.

   • The commission of acts by a person which he or she believes to be wrong can cause a diminishment of one or more of the virtues which subsist in the person's personality; in this way such actions may be viewed as significant life events.
6. •
   A particular manifestation of moral excellence in a person.
7. •
   Specifically, each of several qualities held to be particularly important, including the four cardinal virtues, the three theological virtues, or the seven virtues opposed to the seven deadly sins.

   • Better to be excluded from society than to deny the virtue of citizenship.
8. •
   The inherent power or efficacy of something (now only in phrases).

   • There was a virtue in the wave; His limbs, that, stiff with toil, Dragg’d heavy, from the copious draught receiv’d Lightness and supple strength. — 1801
9. •
   A creature embodying divine power, specifically one of the orders of heavenly beings, traditionally ranked above angels and archangels, and below seraphim and cherubim.

   • Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers; / For in possession such, not only of right, / I call ye, and declare ye now […]. — 1667
10. •
    (no longer used) The inherent power of a god, or other supernatural being.