catflap.org Online Dictionary Query

  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, or 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.

  an article /ɐn ˈɑːtɪkəl/
  ein Artikel
   see: a, an, a child, a woman