- voyal
- 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}.]
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
Me softer airs befit, and softer strings Of lute, or viol still, more apt for mournful things. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
Note: The name is now applied as a general term to designate instruments of the violin kind, as tenor viol, bass viol, etc. [1913 Webster]
2. (Naut.) A large rope sometimes used in weighing anchor. [Written also {voyal}, and {voyal}.] --Totten. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
