Definition of: viol

(vī′əl) noun
1. Any member of a family of stringed musical instruments, predecessors of the violin family, originating in the later Middle Ages and passing out of use in the 18th century, having usually six strings, and played with a bow.
2. A stringed instrument of the violin class. See BASS VIOL. [Earlier vielle <AF, OF <Med. L vidula, vitula <Gmc.; infl. in form by OF viole]