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fugitive

Fugitive Fu"gi*tive, a. [OE. fugitif, F. fugitif, fr. L. fugitivus, fr. fugere to flee. See Bow to bend, and cf. Feverfew.] 1. Fleeing from pursuit, danger, restraint, etc., escaping, from service, duty etc.; as, a fugitive solder; a fugitive slave; a fugitive debtor. [1913 Webster]

The fugitive Parthians follow. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Can a fugitive daughter enjoy herself while her parents are in tear? --Richardson [1913 Webster]

A libellous pamphlet of a fugitive physician. --Sir H. Wotton. [1913 Webster]

2. Not fixed; not durable; liable to disappear or fall away; volatile; uncertain; evanescent; liable to fade; -- applied to material and immaterial things; as, fugitive colors; a fugitive idea. [1913 Webster]

The me more tender and fugitive parts, the leaves . . . of vegatables. --Woodward. [1913 Webster]

{Fugitive compositions}, Such as are short and occasional, and so published that they quickly escape notice.

Syn: Fleeting; unstable; wandering; uncertain; volatile; fugacious; fleeing; evanescent. [1913 Webster]

Fugitive Fu"gi*tive, n. 1. One who flees from pursuit, danger, restraint, service, duty, etc.; a deserter; as, a fugitive from justice. [1913 Webster]

2. Something hard to be caught or detained. [1913 Webster]

Or Catch that airy fugitive called wit. --Harte. [1913 Webster]

{Fugitive from justice} (Law), one who, having committed a crime in one jurisdiction, flees or escapes into another to avoid punishment. [1913 Webster]