Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Ballad \Bal"lad\, n. [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}.]
   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 \Bal"lad\, v. t.
   To make mention of in ballads. [Obs.]

Ballad \Bal"lad\, v. i.
   To make or sing ballads. [Obs.]

Source : WordNet®

ballad
     n 1: a narrative song with a recurrent refrain [syn: {lay}]
     2: a narrative poem of popular origin [syn: {lay}]