Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Refugee \Ref`u*gee"\ (r?f`?*j?"), n. [F. r['e]fugi['e], fr. se
   r['e]fugier to take refuge. See {Refuge}, n.]
   1. One who flees to a shelter, or place of safety.

   2. Especially, one who, in times of persecution or political
      commotion, flees to a foreign power or country for safety;
      as, the French refugees who left France after the
      revocation of the edict of Nantes.

Source : WordNet®

refugee
     n : an exile who flees for safety