Category:Viol

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.)

Defn: 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.)

Defn: a large rope sometimes used in weighing anchor. [written also Voyal, and voyal.] Totten.

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---excerpt from the Illustrated Bible Dictionary

Viol - Heb. nebel (Isaiah 5:12, R.V., "lute;" Isaiah 14:11), a musical instrument, usually rendered "psaltery" (q.v.)