vi|ol

vi|ol «VY uhl», noun.

1. any one of several stringed musical instruments played with a bow, distinguished from the violin by its deeper ribs, flat back, sloping shoulders, number of strings (usually six), and originally fretted neck. Viols, used chiefly in the 1500's and 1600's, have been superseded by instruments of the violin type.

2. = double bass. (Cf. ↑double bass)

╂[< Old French viole,nd vielle < Medieval Latin vitula. Perhaps related to fiddle (Cf. ↑fiddle). See etym. of doublet viola¹. (Cf. ↑viola)]