The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
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   2. A soldier sent on a forlorn hope. --Shak.
      [1913 Webster] Perdu

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
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            He should lie perdue who is to walk the round.
                                                  --Fuller.
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   2. Accustomed to, or employed in, desperate enterprises;
      hence, reckless; hopeless. "A perdue captain." --Beau. &
      Fl.
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