Viol

['vaɪəl]

Definition

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

Typed by Frank--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) 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.

(n.) A large rope sometimes used in weighing anchor.

Inputed by Jules

Definition

n. a musical instrument which was the immediate precursor of the violin having from three to six strings and played by means of a bow.—ns. Viola (vē-ō′la or vī′ō-la) a larger description of violin having four strings tuned in fifths to which the part between the second violin and bass is generally assigned—also called Alto viola or Tenor violin; Vī′ol-block (naut.) a large single block big enough to reeve a small hawser; Vī′olist a player on the viol or the viola.—Bass viol a large medieval viol: the modern violoncello.

Editor: Nell