from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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]