article of virtu — article (or object) of virtu an article that is interesting because of its antiquity, beauty, quality of workmanship, etc … Useful english dictionary
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… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
article (or object) of virtu — an article that is interesting because of its antiquity, quality, etc. → virtu … English new terms dictionary
virtu — [və: t(j)u:] (also vertu) noun 1》 knowledge of or expertise in the fine arts. 2》 curios or objets d art collectively. Phrases article (or object) of virtu an article that is interesting because of its antiquity, quality, etc. Origin C18: from… … English new terms dictionary
virtu — n. (also vertu) 1 a knowledge of or expertise in the fine arts. 2 virtuosity. Phrases and idioms: article (or object) of virtu an article interesting because of its workmanship, antiquity, rarity, etc. Etymology: It. virtugrave VIRTUE, virtu … Useful english dictionary
a piece of virtu — 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… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
object of virtu — noun An article valued for its antiquity or as an example of craftsmanship, etc • • • Main Entry: ↑object … Useful english dictionary
A piece of bric-a-brac — Bric a brac Bric a brac , n. [F.] Miscellaneous curiosities and works of decorative art, considered collectively. [1913 Webster] {A piece of bric a brac}, any curious or antique article of virtu, as a piece of antiquated furniture or metal work,… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Bric-a brac — n. [F.] Miscellaneous curiosities and works of decorative art, considered collectively. [1913 Webster] {A piece of bric a brac}, any curious or antique article of virtu, as a piece of antiquated furniture or metal work, or an odd knickknack. [19 … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Curio — Cu ri*o (k? r? ?), n.; pl. {Curios} ( ?z). [Abbreviation of curiosity.] Any curiosity[3] or article of virtu; any object esteemed for its unusual nature. [1913 Webster +PJC] The busy world, which does not hunt poets as collectors hunt for curios … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
