perdu

English edit

Borrowed from Middle French perdu, originally after sentinelle perdue.

perdu (not comparable)

(obsolete, military) Stationed in an exposed or hazardous position; hidden in ambush. Originally as sentinel perdu. [17th–19th c.]
- c. 1616–1619 (first performance), John Fletcher, “The Loyal Svbiect”, in Comedies and Tragedies […], London: […] Humphrey Robinson, […], and for Humphrey Moseley […], published 1647, →OCLC, Act I, scene i:
  a perdue captain
(now rare) In a dangerous situation; lost, desperate. [from 17th c.]
- 1924, Herman Melville, chapter 7, in Billy Budd‎^[1], London: Constable & Co.:
  Among certain grizzled sea-gossips of the gun decks and forecastle went a rumor perdue […]
(now rare) Hidden; concealed from sight. Chiefly with lie. [from 17th c.]
- 1642, Thomas Fuller, The Holy State, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire: […] Roger Daniel for John Williams, […], →OCLC:
  He should lie Perdue who is to walk the round.
- 1792, Charlotte Smith, Desmond, Broadview, published 2001, page 346:
  I stood perdu behind Mr Grimbold; a tall personage, whose broad shoulders, however, just permitted me to peep over at the Major, who had not yet espied me.

perdu (plural perdus)

One placed on watch, or in ambush.
A soldier sent on a forlorn hope.
- c. 1603–1606, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of King Lear”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene vii], line 35:
  To watch, poor perdu, / With this thin helm?