viol Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun any of a family of bowed stringed instruments that preceded the violin family

WordNet

Vi"ol noun
Etymology
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.
Definitions
  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 1913