Viol \Vi"ol\, n. [F. viole; cf. Pr. viola, viula, Sp., Pg., & It. viola, LL. vitula; of uncertain origin; perhaps from L. vitulari to celebrate a festival, keep holiday, be joyful, perhaps originally, to sacrifice a calf (vitulus; cf. Veal). Cf. Fiddle, Vielle, 2d Viola, Violin.]

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.

Note: The name is now applied as a general term to designate instruments of the violin kind, as tenor viol, bass viol, etc.

2. (Naut.) A large rope sometimes used in weighing anchor. [Written also voyal, and voyal.]

--Totten.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Voyol \Voy"ol\, n. (Naut.)
   (a) See Viol, 2.
   (b) The block through which a messenger passes. [Written also viol, and voyal.]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)