Emily Dickinson Lexicon

VIRTU-AL-LY, adv.

In efficacy or effect only; by means of some virtue or influence, or the instrumentality of something else. Titus the sun is virtually on earth by its light and heat. The citizens of an elective government are virtually present in the legislature by their representatives. A man may virtually agree to a proposition by silence or with-holding objections. Addison. Cyc.