viola da braccio

noun

vi·​o·​la da brac·​cio
vēˌōlədəˈbrä(ˌ)chō
plural viole da braccio
-(ˌ)lād-
: any bowed stringed instrument of the 16th and 17th centuries played on the shoulder: such as
a
: violin
b
: viola

Word History

Etymology

Italian, arm viol

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of viola da braccio was in 1864

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near viola da braccio

Cite this Entry

“Viola da braccio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viola%20da%20braccio. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!