From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Voyol \Voy"ol\, n. (Naut.)
(a) See Viol, 2.
(b) The block through which a messenger passes. [Written also
viol, and voyal.]
[1913 Webster]