'Viola da gamba' definitions:

Definition of 'viola da gamba'

From: WordNet
noun
Viol that is the bass member of the viol family with approximately the range of the cello [syn: viola da gamba, gamba, bass viol]

Definition of 'Viola da gamba'

From: GCIDE
  • Viola \Vi"o*la\, n. [It. See Viol.] (Mus.) An instrument in form and use resembling the violin, but larger, and a fifth lower in compass. [1913 Webster]
  • Viola da braccio [It., viol for the arm], the tenor viol, or viola, a fifth lower than the violin. Its part is written in the alto clef, hence it is sometimes called the alto.
  • Viola da gamba [It., viol for the leg], an instrument resembling the viola, but larger, and held between the knees. It is now rarely used.
  • Viola da spalla [It., viol for the shoulder], an instrument formerly used, resembling the viola, and intermediate in size between the viola and the viola da gamba.
  • Viola di amore [It., viol of love: cf. F. viole d'amour], a viol, larger than the viola, having catgut strings upon, and brass or steel wires under, the keyboard. These, sounding sympathetically with the strings, yield a peculiarly soft and silvery sound. It is now seldom used. [1913 Webster]