ballad

Etymology

From French ballade, from Old Occitan ballada (“poem for a dance”), from Late Latin ballare. Doublet of ballade.

noun

1. A kind of narrative poem, adapted for recitation or singing; especially, a sentimental or romantic poem in short stanzas.
   The poet composed a ballad praising the heroic exploits of the fallen commander.
   A wandering minstrel I — / A thing of shreds and patches, / Of ballads, songs and snatches, / And dreamy lullaby! 1885, Gilbert and Sullivan, The Mikado, //dummy.host/index.php?title=s%3AThe_Mikado%2FAct_I%2FPart_II act 1
2. A slow romantic song.
   On Friday nights, the roller rink had a time-block called "Lovers' Lap" when they played nothing but ballads on the overhead speakers.

verb

1. (obsolete) To make mention of in ballads.
2. (intransitive) To compose or sing ballads.