bal´lad|er

bal|lad «BAL uhd», noun, verb.

–n.

1. a poem that tells a story. Ballads are usually in a simple verse form and tell a popular legend that is passed from one generation to another orally. »

The old man sang ballads of the clan's heroes, often to the tune of a folk song.

2. a simple song: »

a charming ballad of the north country.

3. a sentimental of romantic popular song: »

Many of the ballads of mother's day are still popular.

4. the music for a narrative ballad or folk song: »

Many of the old ballads are sung to new words.

–v.i.

to write or compose ballads.

╂[< Old French ballade < Old Pvoençal balada (originally) poem for dancing < balar to dance < Late Latin ballāre]

–bal´lad|er, noun.