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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

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}.]
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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.
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Me softer airs befit, and softer strings
Of lute, or viol still, more apt for mournful
things. --Milton.
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Note: The name is now applied as a general term to designate
instruments of the violin kind, as tenor viol, bass
viol, etc.
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2. (Naut.) A large rope sometimes used in weighing anchor.
[Written also {voyal}, and {voyal}.] --Totten.
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Voyol \Voy"ol\, n. (Naut.)
(a) See {Viol}, 2.
(b) The block through which a messenger passes. [Written also
{viol}, and {voyal}.]
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