Dictionary entry

Fugitive (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Fu″gi‐tive (?), n. 1. One who flees from pursuit, danger, restraint, service, duty, etc.; a deserter; as, a fugitive from justice.

2. Something hard to be caught or detained.

Or Catch that airy fugitive called wit. Harte.

Fugitive from justice(Law), one who, having committed a crime in one jurisdiction, flees or escapes into another to avoid punishment.