Violin \Vi`o*lin"\, n. [It. violino, dim. of viola. See Viol.]

(Mus.) A small instrument with four strings, played with a bow; a fiddle.

Note: The violin is distinguished for the brilliancy and gayety, as well as the power and variety, of its tones, and in the orchestra it is the leading and most important instrument.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)