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 ] | 
