What is "fugitive compositions"

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.