† enˈvirtue, v. Obs.
Also 6 envertue.
[a. OF. (s')envertue-r, s'envirtue-r, f. en (see en-1) + vertu virtue; cf. s'esvertuer, mod. s'évertuer.]
1. refl. To exert one's strength; to strive.
| 1475 Caxton Jason 31 He envertued hym selfe defending. 1480 ― Ovid's Met. x. viii, Ypomenes envirtued & enforced hym So moche in th' end that he passed her. c 1500 Melusine 200 The kyng of Anssay..envertued hym self strong, and made with his handes grete vasselage. |
2. trans. To endue with virtue.
| 1692 O. Walker Hist. Illustr. 67 A little cake..which they put into the Serpents mouth, to sanctifie and envirtue it for the recovery of the sick. |