perdu
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Perdu \Per*du"\ (p[~e]r*d[=u]" or p[~e]r"d[-u]), n. [See Perdu, a.]
1.One placed on watch, or in ambush. [1913 Webster]
2.A soldier sent on a forlorn hope. --Shak. [1913 Webster] Perdu
Perdu \Per*du"\, Perdue \Per*due"\ (p[~e]r*d[=u]" or p[~e]r"d[-u]), a. [F. perdu, f. perdue, lost, p. p. of perdre to lose, L. perdere. See Perdition.]
1.Lost to view; in concealment or ambush. [1913 Webster]
He should lie perdue who is to walk the round.— Fuller.[1913 Webster]
2.Accustomed to, or employed in, desperate enterprises; hence, reckless; hopeless. "A perdue captain." --Beau. & Fl. [1913 Webster]