Role \R[^o]le\, n. [F. See Roll.]

A part, or character, performed by an actor in a drama; hence, a part of function taken or assumed by any one; as, he has now taken the r[^o]le of philanthropist.

Title r[^o]le, the part, or character, which gives the title to a play, as the part of Hamlet in the play of that name.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)