perdu

alternative perdue

1. not comparableobsoletegovernmentStationed in an exposed or hazardous position; hidden in ambush. Originally as sentinel perdu.First known use 17th–19th c.

   a perdue captain

   c. 1616–1619 (first performance), John Fletcher, “The Loyal Subiect”, in Comedies and Tragedies […], London: […] Humphrey Robinson, […], and for Humphrey Moseley […], published 1647, →OCLC, Act I, scene i

2. archaicnot comparableIn a dangerous situation; lost, desperate.First known use 17th c.

   Among certain grizzled sea-gossips of the gun decks and forecastle went a rumor perdue […]

   1924, Herman Melville, chapter 7, in Billy Budd, London: Constable & Co.

3. archaicnot comparableHidden; concealed from sight. Chiefly with lie.First known use 17th c.

   He should lie Perdue who is to walk the round.

   1642, Thomas Fuller, The Holy State, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire: […] Roger Daniel for John Williams, […], →OCLC

   1 more example

   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.

   1792, Charlotte Smith, Desmond, Broadview, published 2001, page 346

plural perdus · alternative perdue

1. One placed on watch, or in ambush.
2. A soldier sent on a forlorn hope.

   To watch, poor perdu, / With this thin helm?

   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