VIRTUE, a term used in various significations. In the general it denotes power, or perfection of any thing, whether natural or supernatural, animate or inanimate, essential or accessory. But, in its more proper or restrained sense, virtue signifies a habit, which improves and perfects the possessor and his actions. See MORALS, n° 27, 28, 72, 73, &c. and METAPHYSICS, n° 119—137.