ballad Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a narrative song with a recurrent refrain
    lay.
  2. noun a narrative poem of popular origin
    lay.

WordNet

Bal"lad noun
Etymology
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.
Definitions
  1. 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 intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To make or sing ballads. Obs.
Bal"lad transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To make mention of in ballads. Obs.

Webster 1913