Obs. Also 7 evertuate. [f. Fr. (s’)évertu-er, f. é- (for es-):—L. ex- out + vertu virtue (cf. Pr. esvertudar) + -ATE3.]
1. a. refl. To put forth virtue from (oneself); to exert oneself (to do something). b. intr. To put forth virtue, exert influence.
1642. Howell, For. Trav. (Arb.), 72. One should evertuate himselfe to bring something home, that may accrue to the publique benefit. Ibid. (c. 1645), Lett. (1650), II. lxi. Thus my noble Lord have I evertuated myself, and strech’d all my sinnews … to satisfy your Lordship’s desires touching this subject.
1675. Evelyn, Terra (1729), 25. The Secret we enquire after, and which does most apparently seem to evirtuate towards this end [manuring land], is some vegetable Salt.
2. trans. To take away the virtue of, to deprive of authority, power or strength.
1640. Ld. Digby, Sp. Trienn. Parl. (1641), 24. Where is the legislative Authority?… In the King circled in, fortified and evirtuated by his Parliament.
1644. H. Parker, Jus Pop., 65. The Comitia are totally depraved and evirtuated by being called out of the field into the palace.
1656. Blount, Glossogr., Evertuate.
1721–1800. Bailey, Evertuate.
