Fugitive

Fu′gi·tive (fū′jĭ·tĭv), 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.

The fugitive Parthians follow. Shak.

Can a fugitive daughter enjoy herself while her parents are in tear? Richardson

A libellous pamphlet of a fugitive physician. Sir H. Wotton.

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.

The me more tender and fugitive parts, the leaves . . . of vegatables. Woodward.

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.

Fu′gi·tive (fū′jĭ·tĭv), n. 1. One who flees from pursuit, danger, restraint, service, duty, etc.; a deserter; as, a fugitive from justice.

2. Something hard to be caught or detained.

Or Catch that airy fugitive called wit. Harte.

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