fugitive Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun someone who flees from an uncongenial situation
    runaway; fleer.
    • fugitives from the sweatshops
  2. noun someone who is sought by law officers; someone trying to elude justice
    fugitive from justice.
  3. adjective satellite lasting for a markedly brief time
    momentaneous; fleeting; momentary.
    • a fleeting glance
    • fugitive hours
    • rapid momentaneous association of things that meet and pass
    • a momentary glimpse

WordNet

Fu"gi*tive adjective
Etymology
OE. fugitif, F. fugitif, fr. L. fugitivus, fr. fugere to flee. See Bow to bend, and cf. Feverfew.
Definitions
  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.
    Syn. -- Fleeting; unstable; wandering; uncertain; volatile; fugacious; fleeing; evanescent.
Fu"gi*tive noun
Definitions
  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.

Webster 1913