viol /ˈvaɪ.əl/noun 2verb 1forms 5 noun2 •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 •A large rope used to manipulate the anchor verb1 •To play the viol.“Keep your gold for those who lack it, mistress,” said Henry, “and do not offer to honest hands the money that is won by violing, and tabouring, and toetripping, and perhaps worse pastimes. — 1828 formsvioled · violled · violing · violling · viols
