Mus. [f. CLAVIS key + VIOL.] A keyed viol, the name given to a musical instrument. It was played on with finger-keys like the piano, the strings being set in vibration by a rotatory arrangement acting like the violin bow.
1819. Pantologia, Claviole, invented by a Mr. J. I Hawkins…. Mr. Hawkins exhibited his instrument in America about seven years ago; when it was considered, by musicians, as equal in power to fifteen violins, tenors, and basses…. A more detailed account … may be seen in Nos. 3 and 4 of the Retrospect [1805–15].
1883. A. J. Hipkins, in Grove, Dict. Mus., III. 639. The Claviol … was in form like a cabinet piano.
