a perdue captainc. 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
Archaic In a dangerous situation; lost, desperate.
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
Archaic Hidden; concealed from sight. Chiefly with lie.
He should lie Perdue who is to walk the round.1642, Thomas Fuller, The Holy State, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire: […] Roger Daniel for John Williams, […], →OCLC:
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:
Etymology Borrowed from Middle French perdu, originally after sentinelle 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: