Es‐cape″ (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Escaped (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Escaping.] [OE. escapen, eschapen, OF. escaper, eschaper, F. echapper, fr. LL. ex cappa out of one's cape or cloak; hence, to slip out of one's cape and escape. See 3d Cape, and cf. Scape, v.] 1. To flee from and avoid; to be saved or exempt from; to shun; to obtain security from; as, to escape danger. “Sailors that escaped the wreck.” Shak.
2. To avoid the notice of; to pass unobserved by; to evade; as, the fact escaped our attention.
They escaped the search of the enemy. Ludlow.