'Viol' definitions:

Definition of 'viol'

noun

Any of a family of bowed stringed instruments that preceded the violin family

From: GCIDE

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.] [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
Me softer airs befit, and softer strings Of lute, or viol still, more apt for mournful things. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
Note: The name is now applied as a general term to designate instruments of the violin kind, as tenor viol, bass viol, etc. [1913 Webster]
2. (Naut.) A large rope sometimes used in weighing anchor. [Written also voyal, and voyal.] --Totten. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Voyol \Voy"ol\, n. (Naut.) (a) See Viol, 2. (b) The block through which a messenger passes. [Written also viol, and voyal.] [1913 Webster]

Viol Heb. nebel (Isa. 5:12, R.V., "lute;" 14:11), a musical instrument, usually rendered "psaltery" (q.v.)