Etymology

perdu

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Today it means: Stationed in an exposed or hazardous position; hidden in ambush. Originally as sentinel perdu. Full definition →

First used 17th–19th c.Middle French perdu
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The story

  1. Middle French · borrowed fromperdu
  2. English todayperdu

Borrowed from Middle French perdu, originally after sentinelle perdue.

First known use, by meaning

  • 17th–19th c. Stationed in an exposed or hazardous position; hidden in ambush. Originally as sentinel perdu.
  • from 17th c. In a dangerous situation; lost, desperate.
  • from 17th c. Hidden; concealed from sight. Chiefly with lie.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.