/pəːˈdjuː/
OriginBorrowed from Middle French perdu, originally after sentinelle perdue.
- not-comparable, obsoleteStationed in an exposed or hazardous position; hidden in ambush. Originally as sentinel perdu.
- archaic, not-comparableIn a dangerous situation; lost, desperate.
“Among certain grizzled sea-gossips of the gun decks and forecastle went a rumor perdue […]”
- archaic, not-comparableHidden; concealed from sight. Chiefly with lie.
“He should lie Perdue who is to walk the round.”
“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.”
- One placed on watch, or in ambush.
- A soldier sent on a forlorn hope.
“To watch, poor perdu, / With this thin helm?”
Formsperdue(alternative) · perdus(plural)