Vi'ol, n.
n. [Fr. viole, Pr. viola, viula, Sp., Pg., & It. viola, L. Lat. vitula. See VIELLE.]
Sense 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.*
The name is now applied as a general term to designate instruments of the violin kind, as tenor viol, base-viol, and the like.
Sense 2. (Naut.) A large rope sometimes used in weighing anchor. [Written also voyal, voyol.] Totten.