viols

Noun

viol (plural viols)

1. A stringed instrument related to the violin family, but held in the lap between the legs like a cello, usually with C-holes, a flat back, a fretted neck and six strings, played with an underhanded bow hold.
   • He sayd that yᵉ ground opened, and he was brought into strange places underground, where they used musicall Instruments, violls, and Lutes, such (he sayd) as Mr. Thomas did play on.1687, John Aubrey, Remaines of Gentilisme and Judaisme, page 30

   Synonyms:

   viola d'amore, viola da gamba, gamba, gambo

2. A large rope used to manipulate the anchor

See all 3 meanings of viol