from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
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The fugitive Parthians follow. --Shak.
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Can a fugitive daughter enjoy herself while her
parents are in tear? --Richardson
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A libellous pamphlet of a fugitive physician. --Sir
H. Wotton.
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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.
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The me more tender and fugitive parts, the leaves .
. . of vegatables. --Woodward.
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{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.
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