noun
Etymology: by folk etymology from Dutch verloren hoop, literally, lost band
1.
a. : a body of men selected usually from volunteers to attempt a breach, scale a wall, or perform other perilous service especially in advance of the main force
b. : a member of such a body
2. : a desperate or extremely difficult enterprise : an undertaking unlikely to be completed successfully or without great hazard
3.
a. : a vain or faint hope
b. : something unlikely to succeed