bass viol

American  

[beys] / beɪs /

noun

1. viola da gamba.

2. double bass.

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bass viol British  

/ beɪs /

noun

1. another name for viola da gamba

2. a less common name for double bass

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bass viol Cultural  

1. The largest and lowest-pitched instrument of the strings, also called a bass fiddle or double bass. The player must stand or sit on a tall stool to play it.

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Etymology

Origin of bass viol

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

The musicians give the accompaniment, a single basso continuo line, pleasing variety because of the various combinations of bass viol, harpsichord, organ, lute and theorbo.

From Washington Post

The first of them, the traditional Scottish “Regents Rant,” Savall dispatched — solo — with dazzling virtuosity on the bass viol.

From Seattle Times

The weirdest and most wonderful comes in the seduction scene: a bass viol and a glass harmonica intertwine in a gently rasping glow, sparse yet achingly sensual, and the air crackles with tension.

From The Guardian

With the strident boom of the bass viol came the rank smell of the dog-fennel that hurrying feet had left bruised and wilting in the sun.

From Project Gutenberg

In the Western gallery, three fiddles, two hautboys, and a bass viol squeaked and groaned with much fervour.

From Project Gutenberg