fugitive

Noun · Adjective

Synonyms: runaway fleer fugitive from justice fleeting momentaneous momentary

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

someone who flees from an uncongenial situation“fugitives from the sweatshops”Synonyms: runaway fleer
someone who is sought by law officers; someone trying to elude justiceSynonyms: fugitive from justice

Adjective (1)

lasting for a markedly brief time“a fleeting glance”“fugitive hours”“rapid momentaneous association of things that meet and pass”“a momentary glimpse”Synonyms: fleeting momentaneous momentary

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Fugitive \Fu"gi*tive\, 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]

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. [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]