@ Iains

The version I have been looking at is the online equivalent of the old hard copy multiple volume (30 plus) one, and it has a lot to say. The first recorded written use of the term ballad in the sense of song is in the phrase 'ballad book'. Because the dictionary gives examples of usages over time, it hints at attitudes to ballads. A lot of the quotations criticise 'ballads' for being 'lewd' for example.

I was amused by the following 17th century quotation:

To thrum a Guitarr to 2. or 3. Italian Ballad tunes, may be agreable for once, but often practised is ridiculous.

And this quotation was sad:

The last refuge in their life (beggery excepted) the poore helpe of Ballad-singing


Maybe this latter indicates where we shall end up when the present 'austerity' programmes hae done their worst? Back to singing for your supper, if, that is, you don't get banned from anywhere where the people might cough up a coin or two?