The term BOWED, TO A VIOLIST can be broken down into four crossword solutions: ARCO, BOW, VIBRATO, and ALTO. ARCO is an Italian word meaning 'BOW, ' which is the tool used to play string instruments such as the violin. BOW is a three-letter word that refers to the same tool. VIBRATO is a seven-letter word that describes a technique used by string players to create a vibrating sound. Finally, ALTO is a four-letter word that refers to the ALTO range of the violin, which is the highest range of the instrument. Therefore, the phrase BOWED, TO A VIOLIST can be interpreted as a description of a musician playing a violin with a BOW, using VIBRATO techniques in the ALTO range.