Obs.–1 [ad. It. violetta, dim. of viola VIOLA2.] (See quot. and cf. VIOLETTE.)
1688. R. Holme, Armoury, III. xvi. (Roxb.), 58/1. The Violet or Violin, a diminitiue of the viol, being a very small Instrument, yet in all respects answereth to the forme of the Treble Viole in the body.
