cardinal virtue

noun

1. anything considered to be an important or characteristic virtue:

   Tenacity is his cardinal virtue.

2. cardinal virtues, Ancient Philosophy. justice, prudence, temperance, and fortitude.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cardinal virtue¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50

Example Sentences

Economy with the good old soul was a cardinal virtue, waste a deadly sin.

From Project Gutenberg

And may it not be forgotten that all apparent reformation must be hedged by this cardinal virtue of practical life!

From Project Gutenberg

Therefore obedience was made a cardinal virtue, as essential to the very existence of monastic institutions.

From Project Gutenberg

Patience is a cardinal virtue with men of his profession, a moment's undue haste often undoing the work of hours.

From Project Gutenberg

I began to perceive that merriment is only malice in disguise, and that the chief cardinal virtue is misanthropy.

From Project Gutenberg