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A viola da gamba.

Same as Gamashes. His thin legs tenanted a pair of gambadoes fastened at the side with rusty clasps. Sir W. Scott.

The viola di gamba, now entirely disused.

A performer upon the viola di gamba. See under Viola.

Its part is written in the alto clef, hence it is sometimes called the alto. -- Viola da gamba Etym: [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 Etym: [It., viol for the shoulder], an instrument formerly used, resemblin…