Balladeer

/ˌbæləˈdɪr/ noun

Definition

A person who writes, sings, or recites ballads, especially one who performs narrative songs in a public or traditional setting.

Etymology

From 'ballade' or 'ballad' plus '-eer' (a suffix meaning 'person who does something'). The '-eer' suffix comes from Old French and often denotes occupation or someone associated with something.

Kelly Says

A balladeer was the medieval and Renaissance equivalent of a news reporter—before printing, they traveled from town to town singing current events, scandals, and tragedies to crowds in markets and taverns.

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