Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Ballad

Ballad ({not transcribed}) , noun

[Old English balade, Old French balade, French ballade, from Pr. ballada a dancing song, from ballare to dance; compare Italian ballata. See 2d Ball, n., and Ballet.]

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.

Ballad , intransitive verb

To make or sing ballads. [Obsolete]

Ballad , transitive verb

To make mention of in ballads. [Obsolete]