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Webster 1913 Edition

Viol

Vi′ol

,
Noun.
[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.)
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.
☞ The name is now applied as a general term to designate instruments of the violin kind, as tenor viol, bass viol, etc.
2.
(Naut.)
A large rope sometimes used in weighing anchor.
[Written also
voyal
, and
voyal
.]
Totten.

Webster 1828 Edition

Viol

VI'OL

,
Noun.
A stringed musical instrument, of the same form as the violin, but larger, and having formerly six strings, to be struck with a bow. Viols are of different kinds. The largest of all is the base viol, whose tones are deep, soft and agreeable. The violin now takes the place of the old viol.
Me softer airs befit, and softer strings of lute, or viol, still more apt for mournful things.

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