The Collaborative International 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.
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 virt[`u].
--Goldsmith.