'balladry' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'baladry', which in turn comes from Old French 'ballade' and Medieval Latin 'ballata', where the root 'ballare' meant 'to dance'.

'ballata' (Medieval Latin) → Old French 'ballade' → Middle English 'balad'/'baladry' → modern English 'ballad' and 'balladry'.

Initially associated with a 'dancing song' or song for dancing, the term shifted toward 'a narrative song or poem' and then to the broader sense 'the art or style of composing ballads' used today.