4  definitions  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Viol  \Vi"ol\,  n.  [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. 
 
  Note:  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. 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Voyol  \Voy"ol\,  n.  (Naut.) 
  a  See  {Viol},  2. 
  b  The  block  through  which  a  messenger  passes.  [Written  also 
  {viol},  and  {voyal}.] 
 
  From  WordNet  r  1.6  [wn]: 
 
  viol 
  n  :  any  of  a  family  of  instruments  that  preceded  the  violin 
  family 
 
  From  Easton's  1897  Bible  Dictionary  [easton]: 
 
  Viol 
  Heb.  nebel  (Isa.  5:12,  R.V.,  "lute;"  14:11),  a  musical 
  instrument,  usually  rendered  psaltery"  (q.v.) 
 

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