BALLAD

ballad, lay

(noun) a narrative poem of popular origin

ballad, lay

(noun) a narrative song with a recurrent refrain

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

ballad (plural ballads)

A kind of narrative poem, adapted for recitation or singing; especially, a sentimental or romantic poem in short stanzas.

A slow romantic song.

Verb

ballad (third-person singular simple present ballads, present participle ballading, simple past and past participle balladed)

(obsolete) To make mention of in ballads.

(intransitive) To compose or sing ballads.

Source: Wiktionary

Bal"lad, n. Etym: [OE. balade, OF. balade, F. ballade, fr. Pr. ballada a dancing song, fr. ballare to dance; cf. It. ballata. See 2d Ball, n., and Ballet.]

Definition: A popular kind of narrative poem, adapted for recitation or singing; as, the ballad of Chevy Chase; esp., a sentimental or romantic poem in short stanzas.

Bal"lad, v. i.

Definition: To make or sing ballads. [Obs.]

Bal"lad, v. t.

Definition: To make mention of in ballads. [Obs.]

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition