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 ]

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 ]

adv. In a fugitive manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The quality or condition of being fugitive; evanescence; volatility; fugacity; instability. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } n. [ L. transfuga; trans across, over + fugere to flee. ] One who flees from one side to another; hence, a deserter; a turncoat; an apostate. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]