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

In Domenichino’s version, at the Louvre, she is playing “a cantata to the Glory of Saint Cecilia” on the bass viol, which seems like kind of a lot.

From Slate • May 28, 2020

Most of the pieces sung by Davies were arranged for viol consort by Richard Boothby, co-founder of Fretwork and one of its bass viol players.

From Washington Post • Oct. 17, 2019

John, who used to play the bass viol and drive the lead wagon over dusty prairie roads, became the router, the greatest transportation expert in the circus business*.

From Time Magazine Archive

At last the bass viol boomed; then all the little monkeys, blinking and peering, pushed their sad faces against the bars.

From Time Magazine Archive

I cannot think it likely that the sculptor saw anyone playing a bass viol in this manner.

From The Bow, Its History, Manufacture and Use 'The Strad' Library, No. III. by Saint-George, Henry