viola da gamba noun phr. [vɪ,ǝʊlǝ dǝ 'gambǝ] Also (earlier) viol da gamba [vʌɪǝl dǝ 'gambǝ]. L16.
[Italian, lit. 'leg viol'.]
1. A viol held between the player's legs, esp. one corresponding to the modern cello. L16.

2. An organ-stop resembling this instrument in tone. M19.

■ viola da gambist noun a player on the viola da gamba E20.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲