Fugitive (?), 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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