violist (violist)

[= D. violist; as viol + -ist.] 1. A performer on the viol. He [Kenelm Digby) was a violinist, and the two former violists . Life of A. Wood , Feb. 12, 1658-9. 2. A performer on the viola. violoncellist (vē"ō-lon-chel'ist or viō-lon-sel'ist), n. [= It. violoncellist a; as violoncello + -ist.] A performer on the violoncello. Often abbreviated to cellist, ' cellist. violoncello (vē"ō-lon-chel'ō or viō-lon-sel'ō), n. [It., dim. of violone, q. v.] 1. The modern form of the medieval viola da gamba. It is properly a ba violin rather than a small violone, as its name suggests, since its form is that of the violin rather than of the true viol. Its size is about double that of the violin. It began to be popular for concerted music early in the seventeenth century, and for solo use about a century later. Its four strings are tuned thus: A, D, G, C (the second below middle C), the third and fourth being silver strings. In playing, the violoncello is rested vertically by means of a wooden peg or standard on the floor between the player's knees. The method of playing is otherwise very similar to that of the violin, including the same special effects. The tone is very sonorous and expre ive, combining the advantages of the violin tone with the breadth of a tenor compa . The bow used is similar to that for the violin, but larger. In modern music the violoncello stands next in importance, among the stringed instruments, to the violin, both as a member of the orchestra and as a solo instrument. Commonly abbreviated cello, ' cello. 2. In organ - building, a pedal stop of eight-feet tone, having metal pipes of narrow scale and a very string-like quality.- Violoncello piccolo, a small or miniature violoncello, having the same proportions and tuning. It was used especially for solos. violone (ve-o-lō'ne), n. [= F. viol on (dim.), a violin, 2. In organ - building, a pedal stop of sixteen feet tone, resembling the violoncello. violoust (vi'ō-lus), a. [ Gil . Where's your son? Fra . He shall be hang'd in flots; The dogs shall eat him in Lent; there's cats' meat And dogs' meat enough about him. IMG:content-1863.png:[graphic] IMG:content-1864.png:[graphic] Gil. You are so violous ! Fletcher and Rowley , Maid in the Mill, iii. 1. viparious (vi-pā'ri-us), a. [Irreg. A cat the most viparious is limited to nine lives. Bulwer , Caxtons, xii. 2.