VIOL

viol

(noun) any of a family of bowed stringed instruments that preceded the violin family

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

viol (plural viols)

(musical instrument) A stringed instrument related to the violin family, but held in the lap between the legs like a cello, usually with C-holes, a flat back, a fretted neck and six strings, played with an underhanded bow hold.

Synonyms

• viola d'amore

• viola da gamba

• gamba (informal)

Hypernyms

• stringed instrument

Hyponyms

• Baryton trios

• chest of viols

• division viol

• lyra viol

• pardessus de viole

• triple contrabass viol

• viola bastarde

• violone

Verb

viol (third-person singular simple present viols, present participle violing, simple past and past participle violed)

To play the viol.

Source: Wiktionary

Vi"ol, n. Etym: [F. viole; cf. Pr. viola, viula, Sp., Pg., & It. viola, LL. vitula; of uncertain origin; perhaps from L. vitulari to celebrate a festival, keep holiday, be joyful, perhaps originally, to sacrifice a calf (vitulus; cf. Veal). Cf. Fiddle, Vielle, 2d Viola, Violin.]

1. (Mus.)

Definition: A stringed musical instrument formerly in use, of the same form as the violin, but larger, and having six strings, to be struck with a bow, and the neck furnished with frets for stopping the strings. Me softer airs befit, and softer strings Of lute, or viol still, more apt for mournful things. Milton.

Note: The name is now applied as a general term to designate instruments of the violin kind, as tenor viol, bass viol, etc.

2. (Naut.)

Definition: A large rope sometimes used in weighing anchor. [Written also voyal, and voyal.] Totten.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition