Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

            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.

   {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.