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

  1.  refl. To exert one’s strength; to strive.

2

1475.  Caxton, Jason, 31. He envertued hym selfe defending. Ibid. (1480), Ovid’s Met., X. viii. Ypomenes envirtued & enforced hym So moche in th’ end that he passed her.

3

c. 1500.  Melusine, 200. The kyng of Anssay … envertued hym self strong, and made with his handes grete vasselage.

4

  2.  trans. To endue with virtue.

5

1692.  O. Walker, Greek & Rom. Hist. Illustr., 67. A little Cake … which they put into the Serpents mouth to sanctifie and envirtue it for the recovery of the sick.

6