Measure for Measure: Act 2

The adjective also means "of or belonging to hereditary aristocracy." Escalus likely intends both definitions, which would reveal his belief that a noble birth often leads to a noble character. But Angelo likely connects to the Latin root gnoscere which means "to know." Because Claudio is well-known and his noble father is dead, he is the perfect target for Angelo to prove his power.

The noun also has the stronger meaning of "a specific form of evildoing." This is what Isabella intends when she is reluctant to plead for "a vice that most I do abhor" and when Angelo says, "Fie, these filthy vices!" But here, the Provost's use of the word is closer to the Latin vitium which means "defect, blemish, imperfection," which is more forgivable, especially when everyone smacks of it.

The Latin vir means "man," so virtue used to focus on strength and bravery in war. In peaceful settings, the noun included other admirable qualities and actions. Here, the adjective is used to describe a young, unmarried woman who is about to become a nun. This emphasis could also be intended by the Provost to make Isabella seem like a stronger defender for Claudio.

Isabella uses two lines to make the same point: words are more favorably interpreted when they come from powerful people; the less powerful can use the same words and get accused of being unholy or disrespectful.