viol

[ vahy-uhl ]

noun

1. a bowed musical instrument, differing from the violin in having deeper ribs, sloping shoulders, a greater number of strings, usually six, and frets: common in the 16th and 17th centuries in various sizes from the treble viol to the bass viol.

viol

/ ˈvaɪəl /

noun

1. any of a family of stringed musical instruments that preceded the violin family, consisting of a fretted fingerboard, a body rather like that of a violin but having a flat back and six strings, played with a curved bow. They are held between the knees when played and have a quiet yet penetrating tone; they were much played, esp in consorts, in the 16th and 17th centuries

Word History and Origins

Origin of viol¹

1475–85; < Middle French viole (akin to Old French viel ( l ) e > earlier English viele ) < Old Provençal viola, derivative of violar to play the viola ¹ (perhaps imitative)

Word History and Origins

Origin of viol¹

C15: from Old French viole, from Old Provençal viola; see viola ¹

Example Sentences

So the angels gave the lad white wings like their own, and a great viol like a jongleur's.

From Project Gutenberg

The sound of the viol is again heard, and the merry dance is kept up till near morning light.

From Project Gutenberg

I doubt if you can play the Dead March on a bass-viol, and I'm morally certain you can't play it and walk with it too.

From Project Gutenberg

Pillsbury played the bass viol, and once a week or so he and Penny got together and spent an entranced hour.

From Project Gutenberg

Tabret and viol jangle harshly in the ears that have rioted in melodies made by fairy harpers.

From Project Gutenberg