Emily Dickinson Lexicon

VIR'TU-AL, a. [Fr. virtuel; from virtue. See Virtue.]

1. Potential; having the power of acting or of invisible efficacy without the material or sensible part. Every kind that lives, / Fomented by his virtual power, and warm'd. – Milton. Neither an actual nor virtual intention of the mind, but only that which may be gathered from the outward acts. – Stillingfleet.
2. Being in essence or effect, not in fact; as, the virtual presence of a man in his agent or substitute.