I. ˈbaləd noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English balade, from Middle French, from Old Provençal balada dancing song, dance, from balar to dance, from Late Latin ballare — more at ball
1. : a song sung while dancing or to accompany a dance
2. : a part-song often in stanzas with a refrain : a light madrigal
3.
a. : a narrative composition in verse of strongly marked rhythm suited to simple singing or dancing ; specifically : a composition handed down by oral transmission from medieval and early modern times and having narrative combined with lyrical and sometimes dramatic elements — see ballad meter , ballad stanza
b. : an art song imitating such a composition
c. : broadside ballad
4. : ballade
5. : a popular song ; especially : a dance song of romantic or sentimental character and slow tempo
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English baladen, from balade, n.
obsolete : to tell or sing of in ballads