I.to bleat, Plaut. Bacch. 5, 2, 20; Ov. F. 4, 740; Quint. 1, 5, 72; Sil. 15, 706.—Poet.: balantes hostiae = oves, Enn. ap. Cic. Div. 1, 21 (Trag. v. 61 Vahl.): “pecus balans,” Juv. 13, 233; and absol. balans = ovis (so μηκάς from μηκάομαι), Lucr. 6, 1131: “balantum grex,” Verg. G. 1, 272; 3, 457.—Facetè, to speak of sheep: “satis balasti,” Varr. R. R. 2, 3, 1.—
II. Trop., to talk foolishly: “Cornificius balare convincitur,” Arn. 3, p. 122.