Viol (noun)

1. A stringed musical instrument that is played with a bow, similar to a violin but larger and with a deeper tone.
2. A family of stringed instruments that includes the viola da gamba, the viola d'amore, and the viola da braccio.

Origin:

From old french viole, from latin vitula "stringed instrument".

Examples:

1. The viol was a popular instrument during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
2. The viol has a warm and mellow tone, making it ideal for playing music of the Baroque era.
3. The viola da gamba is a type of viol that is played between the legs.
4. The viola d'amore is a type of viol that has an additional set of strings that resonate sympathetically.
5. The viol family of instruments has a distinct sound and is not as commonly used as the violin today.